As a follow-up to our online marketing blog, we now offer online professionalism tips. Even after the corona virus passes through, online business functions may stay as a norm. That being said, it’s important to maintain the same amount of professional respect that you would show to your colleagues in the office. Being professional online is still a relatively new concept, society hasn’t quite yet decided what the standards should be. We can establish good, healthy standards. Your business presence is important and a part of your team. So, we encourage you to still step it up even if it’s from your couch.
Look good, feel good
When you don’t have to be seen in person, it can be easy to “let go”. Such as, not having a routine or not getting ready before you start work. Some of us were guilty of this when the pandemic first started: just stay in my PJs and whatnot. But, it may be coming off as a little disrespectful to your boss and co-workers. Dress accordingly to what people should expect of you. If you look like you didn’t put in much effort, it’s hard for others to take you seriously. If you know you’re going to be on camera, make yourself look somewhat put together. Besides, psychologically you will work better when you’re dressed for the day.
Being prepared
“So, any questions over the document I sent out yesterday?” “Uhhh…. What document?”
Don’t be that guy. Just as you arrive to school and to the office prepared for the day, the same goes from working virtually. Time management is the most important element of your job/career. Give yourself an adequate amount of time to review material beforehand, like studying for a test. Speaking of mornings, establish a morning routine. This way, you won’t be trying to cram making your morning coffee and taking care of kids/pets into the last minute. And, being mentally alert by the time you clock in will aid you into getting right to work as soon as you clock in.
Online professional profile
Your employer and co-workers most likely look at your social media pages. Now that we can’t be in person to share details of our lives, colleagues will go to Facebook to wonder why you took the day off. Employers can’t monitor us in person, so they go to our social media to make sure we’re behaving. Your boss may be wondering why that green “online” dot is on your picture when you’re supposed to be finishing a report! While your social media is your business and you can do what you want with it, just keep in mind that anyone can and will see what you’re up to.
At the very least, make sure your LinkedIn profile is top-notch. Have a professional headshot as your profile picture, and keep your profile updated and professionally positive.
Being professional online may not seem like a big deal when you’re not having to interact in person, but you do leave an impression. You don’t have to suit up just to be on Zoom for 10 minutes. Besides, being comfortable is the most important thing so your clothes don’t distract you. Just make sure you look presentable, and you match the respect that you would want to receive.
Interested in marketing tips? Contact Redwood Creative today!
Tracy is the Design Manager here at Redwood Creative. She’s been designing amazing graphics and web layouts for large and small businesses for upwards of 7 years.
