Professional : An often used adjective in the English language to describe an individual, group of individuals, services, organisations or as a means to 'differentiate' oneself from 'others'.
WIki's main description of the word : "A professional is a person who is engaged in a certain activity, or occupation, for gain or compensation as means of livelihood; such as a permanent career, not as an amateur or pastime".
However, I recognise the 4th definition most, which is ;
"4. A high standard of professional ethics, behaviour and work activities while carrying out one's profession (as an employee, self-employed person, career, enterprise, business, company, or partnership/associate/colleague, etc.). The professional owes a higher duty to a client, often a privilege of confidentiality, as well as a duty not to abandon a genuine client just because he or she may not be able to pay or remunerate the professional. Often the professional is required to put the interest of the client ahead of his own interests."
Interesting that the core definition makes no mention of achieving standards, accreditation etc
I was discussing the word with a Copy Writer today as we seek to renew some commercial collateral.
His view - too often used by some, trying to imply others are unprofessional. I look back at certain people, situations, articles, posts, organisations and can see his point...... admittedly, I've previously used it in copy for advertising or to describe our approach, offerings, service, but what does it really now mean to people?
How does the industry perceive the word ?
How does the general public perceive the word ?
Is it a word to drop ?
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Replies
Agree with the copy writer; in marketing terms the word 'professional' is now greatly overused, and as a result its value has diminished.
Same can be said of 'consultant', 'adviser', 'executive', 'hero', 'star', 'legend' and 'celebrity' in more recent times. People are far more sceptical of unsubstantiated titular or competence claims these days, and tend to take them with a dose of salt.
This defines it for me! ;-)
hey Paul your right the Escort was the best car around at that time :)
alternative words to use
expert
specialist
skilled
qualified
experienced
competent
high quality
proficient
impressive
quality
top notch
trained
premium
top quality
knowledgeable
seasoned
specialised
advanced
in my opinion most of these words don't fit in the context your trying to achieve but I am no expert with the English language
our grass cutting service is top notch
professional grass cutting service sound correct ;)
An interesting one. I think 'professional' is something others will think of you, notice about your service, your workmanship, describe you etc. Maybe not a word you should use to describe yourself or your company. Anyone running a company of any size should be 'professional' - surely that's a given.
Far too many websites, flyers etc use far too many adjectives which tend to dilute the perception of professionalism. Sometimes less is more.
I know this thread is going to meander way from Gary's starting point (but that's a good thing as most often the greatest value comes in the sub-text)
Whatever words are used to describe oneself and business, the most crucial bit is to deliver exactly as described.
It's easy to throw the word professional up onto a website or litter it into a conversation but it's not always seen to be delivered at point of sale.
Continuing slightly off-topic. I read a comment from someone who'd visited Hampton Court this week and she said - talking in the overused sense "If one more garden had said it was planted with bees in mind, I think I'd have screamed."
Let's think of some combinations. What about 'a professional and sustainable company'.
Can anyone define sustainable or sustainability when it's used as a term to describe a business or environment that's no less vulnerable than the next?
What is truly sustainable in the landscape industry?
What is truly sustainable in the landscape industry?
An APL or BALI member constructed garden ;-)
they seem to know what they are doing from where I am sitting
I like that viewpoint :-)
"I think 'professional' is something others will think of you, notice about your service, your workmanship, describe you etc."
Is it easy to keep slapping yourself on your back, believing your own spiel or that put about by "Yes" people in an industry?
Colin Hunt said:
We are great!
We are very good.
We are excellent.
We are exceptional.
We have got the 'X-factor'
We are just fantastic.
We are professional.
Sounds boring, steady, reliable, different from the 'rest of them' and aligns you to other pro's or professions or professionals e.g. Aviation Engineers
but also sounds mature, informed, experienced, dependable.
What a great way to look at it Colin
Colin Hunt said: