Though there aren’t any hard and fast rules for becoming professional in entrepreneurship, to be professional at your real world set your mindset first and be ready to do everything for achieving your goals. Eric Lippert, software expert & author, said “Professionalism is not about adherence to the policies of a bureaucracy. Professionalism is about having the integrity, honesty and sincere regard for the personhood of the customer, in the context of always doing what is best for the business.”

However, Professionalism consists of certain attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors sometimes known collectively as “good character.” Here, attitudes and behaviors have two things in common. First, both are produced by our beliefs. Second, we have the power to choose our attitudes and behaviors.

 Becoming a professional is an attitude adjustment process that begins by understanding what it means to be a professional, creating a personal vision of professionalism and aligning one’s personal values in accordance with that image. If you are to understand professionalism, then claim it as your set of personal values.

 A good place is with the attitude called “respect” and a person to be professional must start by respecting himself. John Herschel, English mathematician & astronomer said “Self-respect- that is cornerstone of all virtue.” Professionalism also insists on respect toward others, explained best by “The Golden Rule.”

 While behaving a person should be much conscious because Johann Wolfgang von Goeth, German author & philosopher said “Behavior is a mirror in which everyone displays his own image.” Another way to say this is “change on the outside begins on the inside.”

Building professionalism also requires courage and the attitude that conquers fear. Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others. To be professional a person should conquer fear and some psychiatrists say fear can be tamed and can be conquered; history has full of examples of ordinary people who became heroes merely by confronting their fears.

So, it’s time for those entrepreneurs who care about professionalism, to stop being amazed at nervousness, lack of respect and other unprofessional attitudes. It’s time to do something about it. Professionalism distinguishes the best. Shouldn’t you be the best?

Finally, I want to remember the quote of David Maister, business management consultant who inspired entrepreneurs and said “Believe passionately in what you do and never knowingly compromise your standards and values. Act like a true professional, aiming for true excellence, and the money will follow.”

(It’s the final part of my write up on Professionalism. You can check the earlier Part 01  and part 02 here)