Amateurs or Professional
When I chose to embark within my current field, I took my commitment seriously. I read, studied, researched, practiced, and retained a mentor. I took my writing endeavors like every other career I’d chosen. I wanted success and transferred the same traits which help me in one industry into another. But not in the beginning.
When I first started writing, I was an amateur. I wrote casually, whenever I felt like it. There was no consistency. There was no professionalism. Defined as the competence or skill expected of a professional. Being professional means it’s a paid activity, usually my main activity, not something casual or a pastime or hobby.
Over the last few months, maybe longer, I’ve encountered more amateurs than professionals. Those within the industry, posing as professionals, yet behave differently. Deadlines don’t get met. Proposals go unanswered. Retainers and fees are paid slowly and not in full. Those actions have forced me to reevaluate my professionalism. I’ve had to implement policies to deal with the amateurs seeking the professional services our firm renders.
It’s not their responsibility to be professional, it’s mine. I have to be more selective. I have to set firm guidelines. I have to set the “rules of engagement.” I must engage them on my terms. The terms of a professional organization, not a fly by night, here today gone tomorrow firm, just happy to get the business.
Today, Tuesday, September 21, 2021, I am grateful that:
Some more insights have been granted. Working with a mentor has proven invaluable. So many lessons have been learned from his experience it would be virtually impossible to recall and place a value on those nuggets of wisdom.
Tonio exchanged a couple of messages via Whatsapp. He’d been travelling abroad. He’s back safely but we haven’t spoken. So it was good he responded to a message I’d sent last night.
Fred told me what propelled his consulting practice. One single nugget that’s got me searching. It’ll be interesting to see if it’s something I can implement. I’m sure it’s possible. Now I’ve got to figure out how to make it manifest.
Are you truly a professional?
Do you render services beyond their perceived value?
How do you deal with those amateurs wanting something for free or below your current rates?
Be Great. Be Grateful!!!