Page 6 - NBIZ Magazine June 2023
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#4 – Invest in one’s knowledge for seek additional certifications to expand professionals expand their knowledge
further competence and expertise. their professional expertise. Some just and can educate potential clients
Many professions where licensing want to know what is happening in when called upon. Some professionals
is issued by state or national entities their local to even overseas markets. will create their own newsletters,
require that the licensed professionals By attending conferences, con- podcasts, or VBLOGS to share their
must attend continuing education tinuing education classes, (yes there knowledge with others.
classes to maintain their professional is an investment) just reading web- Ben Franklin is quoted as saying,
license. Other licensed individuals may sites, newsletters, and even books, “An investment in education (knowl-
edge) pays the highest (best) interest.”
Learning is an investment as well
as a commitment. This quote has been
attributed to numerous individuals and
it is even truer today given the pace of
change due to technology. “If you think
SWAG?
education is expensive, try ignorance.”
Need #5 – Be accountable
for this plaque on his desk “The
President Harry Truman is known
buck stops here.” Professionals are
accountable for their mistakes. They
take responsibility for those mistakes
and will do everything possible to
correct them.
A quote by Courtney Lynch rec-
ognizes the importance of accepting
accountability. “Leaders (think
professionals) inspire accountabil-
ity through their ability to accept
responsibility before they place
blame.” No one likes to be involved
with those who continually pass the
buck, who expect others to do their
work, or worse yet, who lie. Again,
this final tip on how to be profes-
sional returns to one’s code of ethics
or moral conduct.
Mark Twain said, “If you tell the
truth, you don’t have to remember
anything.” This quote returns to the
importance of accountability in oneself
and then in others.
In today’s competitive, ever-
changing marketplace, “Got
Professionalism” will become the
differentiation that separates
successful leaders, small businesses,
and salespeople from the not-so-
successful ones. N
Leanne Hoagland-Smith is a clarity
832-766-1546 strategist, solving people and process
debra@nbizmag.com problems. As a thought leader who
challenges the status quo, she turns
tomorrow’s goals into today’s results.
Follow her on Twitter @CoachLee.
6 NBIZ ■ June 2023
