Keep These Unprofessional Bad Habits in Check

July 23, 2015 by Christine

All of us have at least one bad habit that we have to work hard to keep in check. But when it comes to the business world, these bad habits could quickly turn toxic and prevent us from making lasting connections with potential customers, clients or vendors.

Here are a few common unprofessional bad habits. Do you have any first-hand experience with any of these?

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  Lateness is perhaps the most pervasive bad habit in the business world. It seems we all work with at least a few people who are perpetually late for everything, whether it’s meetings or deadlines. However, just because you have a client or coworker who is regularly late doesn’t mean you’re justified in being late as well. Showing up on time and meeting your deadlines shows you are serious about your work and committed to providing great service.

• Casual profanity. You’d be surprised at how many people I get on the phone with who, even in our first ever discussion, have no problems dropping some casual curse words. This is an easy way to make a bad first impression. It doesn’t make you come across as personable — it makes you come across as unprofessional.
• Disorganization. The less you’re able to stay organized and handle your own affairs, the less likely you’ll be able to keep up with your clients and customers. Do whatever you can to get yourself organized. You’ll be amazed at how much more work you get done each day.
• Overpromising. There’s an old saying that business people should “under promise and over deliver,” which is smart advice, as there are a few things wrong with overpromising. First, the more you promise, the more likely it is you’ll fail to deliver on those promises. Second, people have a tendency to believe people who promise them the world are merely blowing smoke and will never actually be able to meet those promises. If you set realistic expectations and then surpass them, you’ll earn a lot of good will.

What other types of unprofessional bad habits have you encountered in the workplace? Are you guilty of any of these?

Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC

by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer

Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.

Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.

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