How Some Things Have Changed but Why Others Should Remain the Same – Part 3 of 3
Professionalism is no joke! It’s more than just how you dress, talk, or act. We’re wrapping up our series with the final five tips. Take a few minutes to indulge in these suggestions. You’ll thank us!
11. Pay Attention
During meetings, sit calmly. If you tend to gesture a lot when you talk, try clasping your hands in your lap. Make eye contact, nod your head, take notes — these are all signs that you are paying attention. Always listen carefully and write things down.
12. Communicate/ Check In
Communication is key to the industry of Public Relations/Marketing. You are a Communications professional — use what you were taught! Update your team on your progress. Update your clients on the progress and success of their accounts. Ask questions. Share ideas. Forward recommendations.
When distributing emails, always cc team members to keep them in the loop. In developing emails, always remember your audience. Always keep emails professional. Be careful of word choice, sentence structure, and tone. Emails can be misinterpreted. Be clear.
Always send a thank you note to individuals you recently meet. They will remember you for that.
Follow up with people. Don’t wait for the client, vendor, or reporter to call you back or respond to your e-mail — contact them before it is too late. Always confirm receipt of emails, mail, and voice messages, especially if they are for urgent needs.
When communicating with peers, do not yell or scream from one office to another. If your office space is smaller or has open walls, be cognizant that noise travels. If you’re on a Zoom or Google Meet, remain on Mute until it is your turn to speak.
Be aware of your word choice and gestures. Leave behind the old “college lingo and actions” and act like a working professional.
13. Face the Situation
If something is bothering you about a client project, a conversation with a vendor, or a situation with a team member, don’t let the problem get out of control. Face it. Create a plan of action. Talk with a manager or employer about the situation. Don’t hide behind your phone or computer screen. Confront the situation by talking with the individual.
14. Network
You have a reputation to uphold. Meet people. It’s always nice to have relationships with individuals from all types of industries. You never know when you’ll need to work with them.
When meeting someone for the first time, make eye contact, smile and speak up.
Get involved with professional and industry organizations. Get your name and the name of the company for which you work out in the public. Volunteer to be on boards and committees. People will remember your dedication and commitment to the industry. In turn, if they are looking for a talented professional, they will have you in their mind to contact.
15. Have a Good Attitude
Be friendly and have a good attitude. People will remember you if you are pleasant. Respect others — employers, team members, clients, vendor, media contacts, etc. Treat people the way that you would like to be treated. Keep your temper no matter what happens. It is unprofessional to share unpleasant attitudes, tones and actions in the work place.
Professional individuals use higher emotional tones — enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment.
To wrap up Part 3 of 3 in this series: Professionalism is conveyed by being present and paying attention, communicating regularly, confronting situations – positive or negative, networking, and being friendly with a good attitude.
For a refresher on the first ten tips, read them and other industry thoughts here.
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