Being a professional; think before you type

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In the past I have noticed that some times people forget to keep their game face on.

They participate in online forums where they are both a member and a business person looking for business. Yet they act like it is a private club of just friends and family.

To be more to the point...

Some are in a service role providing something to the public (RE agent, book seller, mortgage broker, home inspector, REO portfolio bird dog, what ever). For what ever reason they think being casual with flip comments, not reading something entirely before hitting the reply, getting into pissing matches plus not looking for a graceful exit and other such behavior is OK. Like it will have no impact on their ability to do business.

Everyone should be able to have an opinion and to freely share it with others. Those who are trying to attract clients need to have a higher standard. Becoming too personal (attacking a person rather than debating the merits of an idea), claiming there is only one way to do something, using specific terms when they should know the meaning of the terms and other things seems like a good way to warn off potential clients.

A suggestion. If you have something to sell (product or service) and that is one reason that you are here then keep the casual comments to a minimum while remaining professional at all times. No assumptions, speculation or flip remarks. Just the facts, solid advice and a tendency to back down rather than rise to the bait if another member of the forum is getting out of line. Ultimately the clients you want are the people who are solid, will keep coming back for more business and are respectful of your time. Clients who act professionally expect the same in return. They are not looking for a new best mate or buddy.

The Law of Attraction implies that casual remarks that are not accurate, speculation plus other demonstrations of being a little too loose details sends a message. The message is the prospect should avoid the vendor.

John Corey