Business IS a matter of separating the "men from the boys."

The expression, "Separating the women from the girls" doesn't exist, but even with the lack of an appropriate colloquialism, we all know that business transcends gender. Professionalism above all else is the key to winning the game!

And, it's so easy to tell the difference.

Here are a few simple examples:

ON EMAILING:

The "boys" use those cheap bulk mailing programs and sp^am the living daylights out of the rest of us. We all try to tell them how useless this is, that they are just taking up precious cyberspace, but do they listen? No they do not. Instead, they cling to their childish methods and wonder why no one takes them seriously and why they never make a dime. They whine and complain, but they never listen and learn.

Professional business people understand the need to cultivate friends and associates. They know the value of pursuing quality leads to further their business goals. They know that follow-up will make or break their success. They understand the responsibility that comes from being given that most private of access - a person's name and email address, maybe even a phone number. Men and women, who care about online longevity and their personal reputation, run their businesses professionally and honestly. They are quick to reply to true requests for help and information. They care about the success of those they contact, going that extra mile to provide help, resources, and personal insight.

ON RECORDKEEPING:

The "boys" keep sloppy records. They can't remember who you are, or, if they do, they don't care to expend that extra bit of effort to acknowledge you personally. The "Dear Webmaster" appears at the top of their sp*amming emails. Their subject line reeks of inappropriate headers and misleading and false claims from "I visited your website" to "I wrote to you the other day" or "I need help." Recognizing these little gems is easy, and those on the receiving end quickly learn where the delete key lives.

The professional does his or her homework. They truly visit a website or read a requested bit of information. They respond as quickly as humanly possible, in person. They understand and use autoresponders appropriately.

The professional is open and friendly. Arrogance is unheard of, confidence in themselves and their products is apparent in even the simplest of replies. They work at building trust, at building not just a one-time contact, but a lifetime friend.

ON PRESENTATION:

The "boys" paste any old website together and call it done. Proofreading? What's that? Workable links? Contact information? Not necessary! They've got their "website" done and up... isn't that all that matters?

Professionals learn that their websites and/or mailings are NEVER done. They work hard to make it easy for their visitors to get around and/or request information. They understand the value of having everything there - right on down to a phone number.

Professionals understand that requesting information and buying online takes consumer confidence. Check Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Wal-Mart, and more. Corporate information, sales contacts, technical help - if applicable - all listed there for easy access. They know that having only an email contact is not enough. Name, address (P.O. boxes are best!), phone number - without those they know their website is incomplete.

ON INFORMATION:

The "boys" don't keep up with the times. Old stats? No one will know the difference. Out of date or nonexistent program, who cares? Since they don't "get it" anyway, what's the point of keeping site information up to date. Heck, most of us aren't going to last two seconds there, so maybe they ARE saving time!

The professional knows HOW MANY... products, subscribers, affiliates. They understand that it is important that those visiting know the current truth. They understand their own website!

This does take a lot of work. As an example, my ezine ad co-op is updated completely once a month, every month. Letting advertisers know as closely as possible the current subscriber counts in any given ezine is vital - for me, the advertiser, and the publisher. Getting the updates is critical. One cannot say one thing yet mean another. The true professional knows the difference.

The professional knows his or her product! They've taken the time and effort to make themselves as close to an expert as possible - an expert on their website information.

CONCLUSION:

It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to develop a good website. Many successful online entrepreneurs started out with minimal cash, just like the rest of us, but they understood and implemented the basics.

Quality not quantity. Content is, and always will be, king. Accessibility - both on your website and to you directly. Simple yet powerful differences.

Yes, we all may know the difference, but it's the DOING that separates the "men from the boys." Be sure you are a doer. Shine and the world WILL recognize the difference!

© Theresa Cahill - All Rights Reserved. Feel free to distribute this article. Please keep it intact and with the resource box included below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Theresa Cahill, a two decade veteran of marketing, is the owner of http://www.mywizardads.com and invites you to take a look at the services of MWA and download fr.ee helpful information and more at http://www.mywizardads.com/sitemap.html

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