If we have a problem or dilemma, we often search for solution. Our hope of course is to find a professional, someone who solves our sort of problem for a living, and is an expert in it. Ideally, we all are professionals in something. If so, it’s our responsibility to grow in our profession to become even more, well, professional!
But how do you find a professional? We ask for referrals, look online, and look for examples of expertise. That’s our responsibility. But professionals have a responsibility too – looking the part of the professional.
On our recent summer vacation aboard a Carnival cruise ship, my then 17-year-old daughter became a bit enamored with one of the entertainers, a young acoustic guitar player. He did solo shows around the ship singing covers of popular songs. On the second Day-At-Sea, I spotted a young man walking out to a lounge chair with a guitar. He opened up the case and started picking a song. I poked my daughter who was asleep on the lounge chair and told her that her “friend” was poolside. She looked up and then shook her head.
“That’s not him dad.”
“How do you know?” I replied.
“He’s reading sheet music.”
In her mind, a professional doesn’t need sheet music, at least in front of others. This was just some hack with a guitar.
She has a point though. If you act and dress like a professional, there’s a good chance people might believe you actually are.
Me with the Duck Dynasty look. My “unprofessional” days. At least my daughter still wanted her picture taken with me!
It made me think a lot about how I carry myself. As a professional consultant, it’s important I at least look like a professional. When we moved to Middle Tennessee, I attempted to blend in a bit better so I grew out my greying beard and wore camo and boots. When I began to look more like an evil Santa Claus than a consultant, my wife and daughter pointed it out. I shaved, bought some nice shoes, and had my baggy dress shirts tailored. Hopefully I look more like the professional I profess to be.
What about you? Regardless of age or position, all of us need to have an image to go along with what we profess to be expert in. Identify what that is and adjust accordingly and you should be well on your way to being seen as that consummate professional!