Downloaded 25 times
Uploaded byJennifer Vessels
Importance of Professionalism
The document discusses the importance of business etiquette, emphasizing that 85% of business success comes from interpersonal skills rather than technical knowledge. Key communication challenges in the corporate environment are identified, with advice on using instant messaging and texting effectively while maintaining professionalism. It concludes with insights on creating positive impressions and the necessity of a competent and respectful professional image.
More Related Content
Similar to Importance of Professionalism
Importance of Professionalism
- 1. PN Student Night2010: Business EtiquetteJennifer VesselsOctober 28, 2010
- 2. Your business successcomes from:Some experts estimate that 15% of your business success comes from your skills and knowledge, while 85% comes from your ability to connect with otherpeople and engender trust and respect.YourKnowledge(15%)Your People Skills(85%)Study by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and the Stanford Research InstituteSuccess Secrets
- 3. Primary reason forfailure: their inability to build good relationships with peers and subordinatesManagement Failures(40%)Management Successes(60%)Manchester Partners StudyNew Management Recruits
- 4. Avoid the FatalCareer Faux Pas BasicsCommunicationsArriving lateBeing unprepared in meetingsDemanding attentionNot portraying a professional imageOver committing and under deliveringMulti-tasking (not paying full attention) Failing to respond responsibly to voice mails and e-mailsNot using most effective mode of communication
- 5. Communication Challenges Increasewith Modes
- 6. Instant Messaging withProspectsInstant messaging is currently the fastest growing form of corporate communication and is expected to overtake email in usage within the next five yearsFastest way to communicate apart from phone or face-to-faceNot everyone wants to use IMPeople on IM are generally Multi-tasking, be patientKnock Before You Enter
- 7. Instant Messaging withProspectsFastest way to communicate apart from phone or face-to-faceNot everyone wants to use IMPeople on IM are generally Multi-tasking, be patientKnock Before You Enter; Be Brief. Think short. Instant messages aren't meant to be long-winded. Don't write an essay when a couple of words will do the job. Besides, IM programs limit the amount of text you can plug in.Watch What You Write
- 8. Text MessagingLike InstantMessage, texting can provide you with flexibility in your communications. Here are some guidelines to make the best use of texting in the sales process.Use texting for messages that cannot be misinterpreted Be careful who is on your buddy listTexts should be short and concise Check the recipient’s number BEFORE you hit “send”
- 9. Selecting the RightCommunication Method
- 10. Guidelines for SelectingMode of Communication
- 11.
- 12. ProfessionalismDo you conveythe following image and non-verbal messages to your managers and fellow employees?My purpose in being here is to help you.
- 13. I am competentto help you because I have the necessary information and/or training.
- 14. I am proudof the work I do and the trust GH&J has placed in me by giving me the authority to serve you.
- 15. You can counton me to be honest with you and honor my commitments.
- 16. I respect youas a person and I expect the same from you.ImpressionsAt all times, your potential employers, customers, partners and colleagues are forming initial impressions of you. You want this to be your unique value.
- 17.
- 18. Next Step DeliversResultsSalesEffectivenessEmployeeProductivity“Thanks to Next Step we now have the right team, sales process and marketing resources in place for peak performance despite the current economic conditions.”Amir Zoufonoun CEO Exalt Communications
- 19. PN Student Night2010: Business EtiquetteJennifer VesselsNext Step 650.361.1902 www.nextstepgrowth.com
Editor's Notes
- #2 1
- #3 2
- #4 3
- #5 4
- #7 Instant messaging is currently the fastest growing form of corporate communication and is expected to overtake email in usage within the next five years. IM is the fastest way to communicate apart from the phone or face-to-face. However, not all prospects use or want to communicate with sales people via IM. Be sure to ask permission before you contact prospects this way. When sending an Instant Message Wait at least a few seconds for the other party to reply. Don't forget that people on IM are generally multi-tasking and may be on the phone or away from their desk. Say goodbye before you sign off and close the application. Phrases like "Nice chatting, catch up later", or "Need to go – will speak later" are ways to show you need to sign off. Knock Before You Enter Inquire if the other party can instant message. Start out with something like, "Hi, can you chat?" Or, "Are you available?" IMs are great for finding out if someone is reachable. If your prospects say they're busy, respect their decision and try again another time. Remember to practice what you preach. If you're too busy to take an instant message, just say so. Your prospects will respect you for it and, hopefully, return the favor.
- #8 Be Brief If you keep bumping up against the word limit, switch to e-mail or pick up the phone. Instant messages are like postcards, minus the postage. A thought or two, at the most, is all you should be sending at once. Watch What You Write Don't write anything in an IM that you wouldn't write in an e-mail or a typed letter. Whatever you say in instant messages can be saved and sent around. You've got no control over that. So don't assume that once your IM leaves your computer screen, it's gone. If you wouldn't want to see your words on a postcard or a billboard, don't put them in an instant message.
- #9 Like Instant Messaging, texting can provide you with flexibility in your communications. Here are some guidelines to make the best use of texting in the sales process Although it can be a good way to quickly exchange information, some can consider it intrusive. Use texting for messages that cannot be misinterpreted. Be careful who is on your buddy list. Not all clients or prospects want to use text messaging to communicate with sales people. Texts should be short and sweet. Check the recipient’s number BEFORE you hit “send”. Your prospect might not like receiving the love letter you thought you sent to your girlfriend. Surveys show that many people find the shorthand messages that others send to them as difficult to read and understand. Consider using predictive text software that makes texting faster and less frustrating – if this is a preferred communication method of your prospects and clients.
- #15 Expand graphic across the screen
- #16 15
- #17 16