About 15 years ago I got my first chance to play in a band full of professional musicians. It changed my life!
Ever since that day, I’ve intuitively been wondering why that was such an exhilarating experience. Since then, I’ve had many repeat experiences of that same feeling as a musician, a salesperson, an artist and a business owner. I’ve come to realize that it only happens when being around true professionals.
Professionals have a way of making the entire room better for everyone. After pondering this for quite some time, I’ve observed three repeating characteristics that every professional shares.
Professionals:
1. Listen more than they talk
2. Love to teach others
3. Think about why
Amateurs, on the other hand, have a way of making the entire room better for themselves. Similarly, I’ve observed three repeating characteristics that they share:
Amateurs:
1. Talk more than they listen
2. Love to be smarter than others
3. Think about what
Many become professionals naturally over time with experience, but time does NOT dictate a professional or an amateur. Have you ever met someone that wouldn’t shut up about how experienced they are?
Being a professional is an outlook, not a destination.
Would you like to be a professional?
Don’t just wait your turn to speak; listen.
Offer everything you possibly can to others.
Be curious.
People will want to spend more time around you. Doors will open. And you’ll relish in the joy of enjoying your work beyond your wildest dreams.
Cheers,
BW
