How To Be More Professional At Work
If you think you lack a little in the professional department – have a read up on how to be more professional at work.
Be early, not on time.
Just because you’re the boss and you pretty much have the right to make your own rules – you shouldn’t give yourself special treatment – if anything, you should be the first person to arrive, and the last person to leave. You set the example, so if you show that you’re committed to working as hard as you possibly can – your employees will be motivated to do the same.
Have the uniform.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean a whole costume with a hat and tie – it all depends on what kind of business you are running and the services you have on offer. A uniform means something that is smart and presentable, along with a friendly face to welcome whoever enters your shop. It’s a good idea to get a badge for yourself, as well as your employees so that people can identify who is there to help them. You can get personalised badges with companies like Imagin Badges, who give you a polished final touch to add to your wardrobe.
Get the job done.
It’s not always easy to remain focused every second of every day, but getting sidetracked means missing deadlines, and that’s not a good habit to fall into. If you find you struggle with time management or concentration, make a list of all the things you need to do either that day or week, and cross them off as you go when you have completed each task. Being able to visually see what needs doing will make it a lot easier to stay on top of the duties.
Be a resource.
You should know the ins and outs of the business you run. This means, if anyone has any sort of enquiry in regards to a specific product or service, you should be able to answer whatever questions they may have confidently. If there are some areas you have forgotten over time and needed to freshen up – do so. Go over your website, research information, and update anything that needs renewing.
Avoid the gossip.
As exciting as it may be at the time – it’s toxic! Do not let yourself get sucked in. How unprofessional would it look if you’re being seen by your other employees and customers in a corner whispering about people? No one is going to want to work with you because they will feel on edge and self-conscious, never knowing if they’re the daily dose of news today. And no one will want to shop in your store when the staff are distracted and uninviting.
It’s okay to ask for help.
Just because of your position, doesn’t mean that you have no one to go to for help – you can’t always be the know it all. Don’t let yourself get stressed and defeated – there’s no reason to feel that way. If there’s no one on a higher ranking within the business, speak to a friend that you trust, or seek help online. The internet is the number one best source of knowledge, so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.