Strive for Professionalism

The other day, one of my clients received a random message from a self-proclaimed social media professional of sorts who wrote (and I'm not making this up): "Bro, you're making big mistakes...(doing x, y and z) with your marketing."

This person continued on with what I would refer to as "bro sales". And most importantly because he started with "bro".

I'm not an older or elderly gentleman but I do appreciate the old school ways of business, ethics and overall social decency. However, we as a society have become way too relaxed with our words and conduct especially when it comes to business and attitudes.

On LinkedIn, I connect with more local professionals where I thank them politely for the connection and in response receive messages similar to "No prob. Hit me up when you got work. I'm your (guy/girl)."

My ultimate favorite (sarcasm) lately, are professionals who lack communication skills. Example: Follow up phone calls or emails. Especially when you have called, emailed and/or left messages with others or through a form online.

Are we so busy and bothered that we need to rely on others to remind us or bother us in return so that we're on par with our activities? Did we lose sense of the fact that we're humans, talking to humans to make the world go round?

Poor communication, "bro sales", negative sales pitch (Ex: you're doing it all wrong) are HUGE turn-offs for me and many others. Valued businesses, owners and customers still prefer to be treated as humans, remembered, positively approached and not to be made like their "bro" or not important enough to return a call. Mistakes happen but we all know those who are working to make a quick point or a quick buck.

Last point. In several occasions, during my time as a Media Marketing Director at a dealership, have I heard that a customer was dismissed or treated in a dismissive way and they either went to another store or salesperson and bought a few vehicles at once. Thousands of dollars and a reputation went out the door for such salespersons who did this.

Professionalism continues to get watered down with social media but it doesn't mean you or I have to get watered down as well.

Be positive. Offer solutions. Care about every interaction. You never know who or what opportunity may come your way.