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Whitepaper on Customer Messaging Must have Adobe Reader 8.0 or greater - Free Download Below
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TRUE PROFESSIONALS
By Tom Reilly, author Value-Added Selling (McGraw-Hill)

True professionalism impresses me. I see it in all walks of life: sports, entertainment, medicine and science, arts, law and business. I can always discern true professionals from the rest of the pack. They make it a habit to do what others consider to be a hassle. And as a serious student of life, I reflect on what makes these true professionals so effective in their craft. Here's what I've noticed.

First, they take their profession seriously. They read, study, and learn as much as they can about their calling. This is an ongoing process. Professional athletes don't just go to the weight room once and feel all the heavy lifting is done. They do it constantly and routinely. Physicians don't stop learning after they graduate from medical school; they go to symposiums, attend conferences, and study medical journals to keep up with their field. Professionals seriously study their field.

Second, they hold themselves to incredibly high standards. They put their best work on display for the world to enjoy. Artists don't paint something mediocre for the masses. Writers don't simply throw words together. Lawyers practicing their craft before the Supreme Court realize they have one chance to make a compelling case for their clients.

Preparation and excellence, along with integrity and ethics, are strong differentiators for true professionals. They do the hard work of preparation and put their best foot forward. Pick your analogy: sports, medicine, law, business, or arts. Pick someone you really admire in this field. How much has this person prepared to achieve true professional status? What sacrifices has this person made? How much practice and rehearsal has this person engaged in? How high of standards does this person hold him or herself to? How does this compare with your own preparation and standard of excellence for sales? You cannot call yourself a true professional without doing the heavy lifting that comes with this title.

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