As an true "professional" in most fields, people feel as though all the answers should be right there at their fingertips; they should be a walking encyclopedia in their field, quicker than a Google search with even more relevance.

The simple fact of the matter is that the secret to being a "professional" is (in my opinion):

  1. the wisdom to acknowledge that one can never know all the answers
  2. the humility to admit this to oneself (and a client)
  3. the intelligence to know where to look for the answers
  4. the confidence to reassure oneself (and a client)
  5. the desire to improve oneself

As a famous quote says (something like), "he who knows everything knows nothing". Beware self-proclaimed "experts".

You're good at what you do. You can be even better. Professionals never stop learning and growing. That's what careers are all about.

As a marketing "professional", I can never have all the answers. Every one of my clients is different...but between my client and myself we'll come as close as we can and find as many of the answers as we are able. That's what makes my work fun. People are amazing and wonderful! Admitting you don't have an answer there and then is a small act of heroism, a big act of humility and will gain you respect in the long-run.

If we had all the answers already, what would be the point?

I'm know I'm still looking for answers. Who knows what I'll learn today?

Have an awesome week!

 
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6 Comments on WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU “DON'T KNOW”...YOU'RE A “PROFESSIONAL”!

MAY
11
246,922 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Very good blog it's true you can never know all the information but I think the ability to admit this and simply state I do not know but I will find out is a sign of a true professional.
10:56am • #1
232,986 Points Outside Blog

Good points.    It's essential when asked something one doesn't know about to simply say:  "good question.   Let's call .... for an answer".     In calling the expert third party, for that particular item, one lifts liability off one's shoulders.    No one can know everything, and so important not to advise "out of one's area of expertise".
11:09am • #2
189,144 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Beware the person that 'knows it all'.  Jack of all trades, expert at none.  I think an honest person says they don't know everything and will find out the answers for you.
11:13am • #3

I am the first to admit when I do not have the answer. I am not ashamed to say I will get the correct answer and get back to you. I think that is a sign of a true professional!!

Happy Monday!~

Lori
11:27am • #4

Part of being a professional is knowing enough to know when you don't know, or, in the words of psychiatrist R.D. Laing, "If I don't know I don't know, I think I know."
11:42am • #5
MAY
12
4 Featured Posts

Hi Heather - it's certainly not a sign of weakness, and in my mind, what separates the pros from the "un"pros :) Thanks for responding.

Hi Li - thanks - you hit it on the head! Thank you for replying.

Hi Lyn - unfortunately, there are very many of those - but I suppose it keeps us "good guys" in work :) Thank you for replying.

Hi Lori - Thanks for the comment.

Hi Shoshana - Great quote! Might just use that one in a presentation. Thank you!
7:56am • #6

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Dave Segrove

Phoenix, AZ

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JDE LTD

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Marketing and small business development consultant, web and graphic designer. What this means for you is that my company can be a central resource for both your online and offline marketing needs. With a focus on small business, and being one, I know that every penny counts. Affordable, high-impact marketing solutions are essential in the quest to succeed, no matter what the marketplace. My services include:
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