WHAT MAKES A SOUND PROFESSIONAL?

I was talking to one of my sons the other night about what makes a sound professional — in the context of his career or, for that matter, any career. The first word that came to my mind, among many, was "consistency." I coached him that it is the most fundamental of qualities: that high standards be maintained every time you come to bat. Variations due to your moods, energy level, desire or the weather are verboten. In that regard, consistency becomes a habit, and it builds reputation.

There is only one standard, and that is the "best." One performs at the highest level for every client, whether large or small. Those who work with you come to know what your brand represents. There are neither factual nor proofreading errors, for example. True professionals always aim high, and the repetition in and of itself raises the bar. Repetition is indeed reputation.

I truly like the comments on consistency made by Tom Seaver, the great former Hall of Fame pitcher of the New York Mets baseball team. He succinctly sums up my feelings and the message I would like to convey to my son and all of the professionals at and clients of Makovsky + Company: "In baseball, my theory is to strive for consistency, not to worry about the numbers. If you dwell on statistics, you get shortsighted. If you aim for consistency, the numbers will be there at the end." Amen.

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