On Stage as a Leader. Professional Image Counts!

Early in my career, a mentor told me that my one of my goals should be to become a "consummate professional" in whatever I did. Years later when a customer actually called me the "consummate professional", I was more flattered than you can imagine. I had spent years in the cleaning industry, trying to raise the bar and the image that comes with the territory when you have a business specializing in removing dirt. It has been an uphill battle, but great strides in professionalism have been made over the years.

From my first experience at a "cleaning convention" in the late 80's where I was surrounded by "janitors" who were scruffy and unshaven looking at best to the tone and professionalism I see at the conventions today. We've come a long way. Even as I walk the trade show floors and attend the workshops today, I see some areas for improvement, but for the most part, the industry professionalism has soared.

As a business owner, a Leadership role in your company can often be driven by your professionalism and what you say and do. Every word and action is being watched or monitored by someone either inside or outside of your company. Not necessarily only at meetings or training sessions, but every day, every phone call, every reaction to situations is being watched by your employees and customers. You are on stage all day long! Your demeanor and image is being watched by others who form an opinion about you and therefore about how you operate your company. Your reputation and attitude will go a long way toward promoting the success of your business. The opinions others form about you based on what they see, may determine whether or not they do business with you. From the way you respond at a Chamber meeting, to the way you handle a customer complaint, to the way you address people in the morning, you are setting the tone for professionalism and leadership. Your credibility as a serious business owner is at stake. If you want opportunities for bidding and growth, your ability to look, feel and act in a professional manner every moment, every day will make the difference. Act as if you are always on stage, because you are.

Here are some tips for enhancing your "on stage" professional image:

Walk the walk by dressing professionally when dealing with customers. If you arrive for an estimate in stained cleaning clothes you will be take far less seriously than the business owner who arrives in a suit or sport jacket.

Start the day with a smile. Your employees take their cues from what you do and say. When you enter your office, leave your personal problems at the door. How often do you smile back at someone when they initiate a smile at you? Always, right? Be the initiator in your office. Start the day smiling and with a positive attitude and you will quickly see how that spreads throughout your company.

Put some bounce in your step! As you walk from your car to your office, notice how you are walking. Are your feet dragging, is it another day filled with problems, do you have personal issues that are bringing you down? Whatever those issues, leave them at the door. Remember you are on stage. Pick up the pace, smile and show your enthusiasm for your business.

Don't lose your sense of humor. Laughter and joy bring out the best in people while tension and discord do not. Use humor to lighten up your office. There are many situations in our business that are so unbelievable you have to laugh at them. Take these opportunities to have fun with your employees and make them feel at ease to be around you. A good leader has the ability to bring out the best in people.

Remember that people are judging you not only by what you say and do, but by your surroundings. What does your office environment look like to others? If you were an employee or customer and entered your office, how does it look to you? What impression is given of the person who works in this space? How clean and organized is your warehouse or equipment storage area? Are the vacuums lined up neatly? Are they clean and in good repair? Are all the equipment bottles labeled and neatly organized? These are the signs of a professional leader. People form opinions about others based on what they see and hear and what they do.

Make sure your "On Stage" Professionalism is what you want others to see and sends the right for your business. Leaders care about the image they project. Do you have the "On Stage" image at all times?

Sharon L. Cowan is the former CEO of a multimillion dollar regional commercial and residential cleaning company. A 25 year veteran of the industry, Sharon is a popular speaker and workshop leader. She has been a guest speaker and seminar leader for BSCAI and ARCSI and a two time award winner from the BSCAI. Sharon holds workshops throughout the country for cleaning business owners. She is a designated Industry Expert for The Janitorial Store and has written industry eBooks and white papers. Sharon conducts seminars for Jon Don Stores, is on staff at Indian River State College and a Board member for Cleaning For A Reason. Sharon can be reached at 772-563-7320 or www.cleaningbusinessconsultinggroup.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.cleaningbusinessconsultinggroup.com Email: Sharon@cleaningbusinessconsultinggroup

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