MY OPINION: WHAT MAKES A "PROFESSIONAL" ...A "PROFESSIONAL?"
My parents taught me to be independent, responsible & respectful to everyone in my life.
(the moment someone "screws me over" is the moment you lose my respect, trust & friendship)
A Tip for the business world would be: - - "Grow A Backbone" - -
A word of advice to live life by:
--"Be The Best Person You Can Be" --
The "business" of music has taught me to be business smart, humble, to never assume anything and how to manage almost every type of person & situation. Dad always made sure I "looked the part" on stage and portrayed myself as a true professional up there. I cannot remember a time that I have out-right sworn on stage, I am not an angel (i do swear at times) but NEVER on stage. I can honestly say that I have never consciously thought of being a "role model" to anyone, I just know who I am and what being a "Professional" in whatever business I am in, means to me. When I am performing whether its a bar, cabaret, beer gardens, casino..etc, I would never drink more than 1 or 2 drinks (even at Stampede or Jamborees!)
Integrity has played a big part in my life and I have enjoyed every experience with no regrets, and nothing to be embarrassed about, because I held strong to my Integrity, Professionalism and Values.
Today, being around so many different types of "professionals" has proven to me that there are many good people out there....and there are many good people to know, that are not professional in my eyes.
My List of Un-professionalism (in no particular order)
- Showing half or more than half of your bare chest in a "business" atmosphere/meeting/event (this goes for both men & women, haha)
- Having a "dirty mouth" in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
- Thinking you're better than someone else & acting like you're better
- Talking about or putting down co-workers behind their backs in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
- PDA (public display of affection) in a business atmosphere/meeting/event (whether its your friend, co-worker, boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife, it's not the time or place)
- Getting drunk beyond being able to walk or speak correctly in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
- Saying derogatory things in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
- Talking about your wealth or how much money you make in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
- Going home at the end of the night with your boss or co-worker or band member after a business meeting/event.
- Constantly being on your phone,TEXTING, not giving the people you're with your attention.
A few final words:
- There is a very fine line between a business professional setting and hanging out with friends who you work with or work for, after work hours, after you've hung out with these people a few times before.
- #1 cause of screwing up is Alcohol, so keep your head on strait in this department during a business atmosphere, meeting or event and it wont be hard to stay as Professional as possible!
- Remember to have fun no matter where you are or who you are with, laugh, joke, smile, just don't step over the line.
- Yes, you may have to call someone back, but if its urgent, remove yourself from the area, take care of your business and then come back to provide your full attention to the people you're with.
- Human beings are smart, they know when you're being yourself, they know when you're trying to be someone you're not, they either trust you or they don't, they either like you or they don't. (if you're one of those people who will "put up" with someone because you think they are a "good person to know" not a GOOD PERSON in general, good luck with that!)
- YES, I have strong opinions and can be very blunt sometimes. haha.
Just Be A Good Person. Be True. Be Happy. Enjoy Life! (and if your instinct is telling you you're probably going overboard, listen) ;)
Signing Off - -
Chas Zemluk