Creating Your Professional
Image on the Internet
There are many
types of professionals on the Internet. Business consultants, writers, web
designers, software developers, the list goes on and on. What does it take
to be considered a professional? Well, according to the definition from Webster's
dictionary, a professional is "Engaged in, or worthy of the standards of,
a profession."
Does this definition mean that if you are engaged in a profession you are
automatically considered a "professional?" Of course not. Creating a professional
image entails a great deal of time and effort. Not only should you have a
great deal of knowledge and experience in your chosen field, but you must
conduct your business in a professional manner. Developing a professional
image on the Internet will include all aspects of your business.
• Attitude
• Courtesy
• Honesty
• Product
• Customer Service
• Technical Support
• Refunds
• Web Site
• Fellow Business Owners
Attitude
Your attitude is one of the most important aspects of developing your
professional image. It can make or break you. The way you deal with your
peers, customers, questions, complaints, requests or compliments will all
reflect upon your professionalism.
Courtesy
Let your customers know how much they're appreciated. Be well mannered,
respectful and warm. Always remember to say please, thank you and you're
welcome.
Honesty
Never be dishonest with or mislead your customers. It will eventually catch
up with you. Tell it like it is. You have to earn your customer's trust to
create long term relationships.
Product
Always over-deliver in all aspects of your business. If you over-inflate
the perceived value of your product, your customers will be disappointed
and probably not buy from you in the future.
Customer Service
When dealing with your customers, go above and beyond the expected. Listen
to your customers and validate their feelings. Just because you know and
understand something, don't assume they do.
Technical Support
Poor technical
support is probably one of the biggest complaints from unsatisfied customers.
Make yourself completely available to assist your customers. Answer their
emails and return their phone calls as quickly as possible. Work with them
until you have a satisfactory solution.
Refunds
Always happily refund your customers money if they aren't satisfied. Don't
argue the issue or write nasty messages. Be courteous, apologetic, and ask
your customers why they weren't satisfied. Remember... The customer is always
right, even if you feel they're wrong.
Web Site
Your web site is a direct reflection of you and your business. It should
look professional in design, contain your complete contact information, including
your phone number, provide complete product information and an easy ordering
process.
Fellow Business Owners
Creating your professional image on the Internet not only includes your business
and customers, but it also includes being respectful to fellow business owners.
If someone requests a link exchange or any kind of business promotional exchange,
answer their email. That's considered a professional courtesy. Whether you're
interested in their proposal or not, you should at least acknowledge their
request. Failure to do so is not only considered rude, but unprofessional.
Always strive to do-the-best-you-can-do and everything else will fall into
place.
Copyright © Shelley
Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design
Mastery.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com
And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book.
http://www.ebookstarter.com
Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips
and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing
Strategies."
http://www.web-source.net
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
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