Today, I want to talk about something that can make or break your career or business, professional conduct.
Specifically, I want you to start thinking about your actions, how they’re perceived, and what long-term impact they might have on your reputation.
I’ve experienced a real-life example recently that I want to share with you. It’s a reminder that professional courtesy can sometimes make all the difference.
In my work, I’m deeply involved in SaaS and Technology GTM / RevOps and the HubSpot community, as well as NXD and Public Speaking. Over the past few months, I've found myself stepping back from a few private clients.
These clients were great people, doing well in their business. But sometimes, they stop listening or the excitement of the newness wears off. This is a normal part of the process, but it doesn’t mean you should give up.
As a non-exec, I see myself as a bit like a football manager, my role is to support the team through specific phases. Once that phase is over, things change, and sometimes the engagement can lose momentum. This is natural.
However, when that happens, it’s essential to stay in touch, especially if you’ve had a good relationship with your clients.
This isn’t about making a sales pitch; it’s about professional courtesy.
A simple message like, 'Hey, how’s everything going?' or 'You can still reach out if you need me' can go a long way. I've often seen people close the door entirely when an engagement ends, choosing to ignore follow-ups.
That’s a lost opportunity. Ignoring messages or not responding to inquiries is a big mistake.
It takes just a few minutes to send a quick reply. Whether you’re busy or dealing with personal issues, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open.
You don’t know when that simple courtesy will pay off down the road.
When you ignore the importance of these small actions, think about the long-term impact on your reputation. I don’t care how busy you are, there’s always time to respond.
You might think that your plate is full, juggling 60-70 hour weeks - add in family obligations and its alot, I get it. However, you can spare 10 minutes to catch up on what you missed from the week before.
That quick email or text could be the difference between keeping or losing a relationship.
Take a moment to consider how your actions will affect others, whether that’s a client, a colleague, or even an ex-employee.
Another example is I recall an instance a few of years ago when I was looking for contractors for a barn conversion worth £350,000. One of the contractors I looked at had a very unprofessional post on their Facebook page, the owner was swearing and using offensive language repeatedly.
Despite not being sure if I would have hired him, I knew that this behavior automatically disqualified him from my consideration. Even if he was the best fit for the job, his conduct cost him a major opportunity.
The way you conduct yourself and the way others see you in the digital space can cost you more than you realize.
Always be professional in all your dealings, no matter how big or small.
You never know when you might need to rely on someone or when someone might need to rely on you. By ensuring that you handle your professional relationships with care and respect, you’re not just protecting your reputation, you’re also investing in future opportunities.
It’s not just about how you conduct yourself with clients or external partners, it’s equally important to think about how you handle relationships within your organization and with your team.
The way you manage interactions with your employees, suppliers, and colleagues can shape your entire business culture.
If you’re approachable, respectful, and responsive, you create an environment where people are encouraged to do the same.
This fosters stronger connections, better communication, and ultimately, a more cohesive and productive team.
A simple 'thank you' or 'I appreciate your help' can go a long way in strengthening those connections.
But, on the flip side, neglecting these small yet crucial interactions can undermine trust and lead to disengagement.
People remember how they’re treated, and that extends to their perception of your business.
So, every email, every message, and every meeting is an opportunity to build or damage that reputation.
A lot of people don't realize that their professional conduct doesn’t just stay within their immediate circle, it has a ripple effect.
The way you treat one client could end up influencing future business opportunities. Word of mouth, especially in our connected digital world, travels quickly.
If a client or colleague has a positive experience with you, they’re more likely to recommend your business to others. But if you’ve ignored their messages or treated them poorly, they’re likely to share that experience as well.
This ripple effect is magnified in industries where personal relationships are crucial for business success. In many cases, your reputation within your industry community is just as valuable, if not more valuable, than your company’s bottom line.
This is especially true in service driven industries, where clients and potential business partners will judge you on both your professional expertise and your character.
You may be the best at what you do, but if your behavior doesn’t match your capabilities, it can severely damage your long-term prospects.
It’s easy to become consumed with the day-to-day operations and forget about the long-term impact of your actions.
However, the reality is that professional conduct, reputation, and communication play a pivotal role in your success.
Reputation is built over time, but it can be destroyed in an instant. The key is to treat every interaction, whether with a client, supplier, or employee as an opportunity to reinforce the values you want your business to be known for.
Respond to messages promptly, be respectful in all your dealings, and always remember that your reputation extends beyond your actions; it’s also about how others perceive you.
Ultimately, maintaining your professionalism in every situation will not only ensure you build strong relationships but also help you maintain your reputation as someone reliable and trustworthy.
Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move.