PROFESSIONAL LIFE

In this section we study how to earn the respect and admiration of others through work ethics, legitimacy, credibility, and a job well done.

The components of professional prestige

The term “professional prestige” shows up frequently in discussions of business and work, so it’s worth our time to focus on its definition and its impact. By becoming familiar with the several areas of professional prestige, you can more effectively develop in each one.

The prestige of your profession

All honest work is good, of course, but by the same token different trades carry different levels of professional prestige. When talking business, it’s not the same to be a woman entrepreneur than, say, a prison guard.

The difference is that being a woman entrepreneur shows that you have a strong character, and that your efforts have an impact in the business world. In order to express your unique and special talents in the best way, it’s preferable to build a career path where you can exercise self-leadership and advance.

Your prestige among your coworkers

In the words of the oft-quoted English poet John Donne (1572-1631), “No man is an island.” Business does not happen in a vacuum, and polishing your professional image is not just about your occupational status. You must also improve others’ lives through social techniques, such as maintaining strong relationships with your coworkers, displaying the love you feel for what you do, exercising initiative and self-leadership, and networking.

Your prestige among your clients

In order to open business doors, few things are as effective as a top-notch reputation with clients. This point ties in with your professional self-worth: professional life will necessarily put you in contact with stubborn and difficult clients, so it’s essential to remember that networking is a key to success.

Consider that your success depends on your clients’ performance, and deliver them a top quality product with professionalism and pride. If you do this, you will see your professional prestige boom, along with your business and your sense of self-realization.

Your prestige on the market

To be an effective businessman or woman, you must project your professional prestige beyond your daily interactions (e.g. with coworkers and clients) and into the broader market. Here we move from the purely personal prestige to the one you earn by being part of a successful business. This is the ideal prestige; it enriches your resume and can broaden your options for future employment.

Five tips to increase your professional prestige

Find a way to express your self-leadership at work
Celebrate others’ successes, and they will celebrate yours.
Maintain a warm, professional relationship with your clients.
Hold on to your convictions and you will tread the world of business confidently.
Work with dedication and love. Everyone will notice.

The perks of prestige

We don’t have to look very far to see that professional prestige can help open virtually any door. Beyond that, however, it helps you develop inner strength, because when you balance your professional image at all levels and do work you love, you will feel that rare and coveted satisfaction that is the goal of professional life.