Separating the Men from the Boys 
by Theresa Cahill
Copyright 2003
All Rights Reserved


Business IS a matter of separating the "men from the
boys."

The expression, "Separating the women from the girls"
doesn't exist, but even with the lack of an
appropriate colloquialism, we all know that business
transcends gender. Professionalism above all else is
the key to winning the game!

And, it's so easy to tell the difference. 

Here are a few simple examples:

ON EMAILING:

The "boys" use those cheap bulk mailing programs and
sp^am the living daylights out of the rest of us. We
all try to tell them how useless this is, that they
are just taking up precious cyberspace, but do they
listen? No they do not. Instead, they cling to their
childish methods and wonder why no one takes them
seriously and why they never make a dime. They whine
and complain, but they never listen and learn.

Professional business people understand the need to
cultivate friends and associates. They know the value
of pursuing quality leads to further their business
goals. They know that follow-up will make or break
their success. They understand the responsibility that
comes from being given that most private of access - a
person's name and email address, maybe even a phone
number. Men and women, who care about online longevity
and their personal reputation, run their businesses
professionally and honestly. They are quick to reply
to true requests for help and information. They care
about the success of those they contact, going that
extra mile to provide help, resources, and personal
insight.

ON RECORDKEEPING:

The "boys" keep sloppy records. They can't remember
who you are, or, if they do, they don't care to expend
that extra bit of effort to acknowledge you
personally. The "Dear Webmaster" appears at the top of
their sp*amming emails. Their subject line reeks of
inappropriate headers and misleading and false claims
from "I visited your website" to "I wrote to you the
other day" or "I need help." Recognizing these little
gems is easy, and those on the receiving end quickly
learn where the delete key lives.

The professional does his or her homework. They truly
visit a website or read a requested bit of
information. They respond as quickly as humanly
possible, in person. They understand and use
autoresponders appropriately.

The professional is open and friendly. Arrogance is
unheard of, confidence in themselves and their
products is apparent in even the simplest of replies.
They work at building trust, at building not just a
one-time contact, but a lifetime friend.

ON PRESENTATION:

The "boys" paste any old website together and call it
done. Proofreading? What's that? Workable links?
Contact information? Not necessary! They've got their
"website" done and up... isn't that all that matters?

Professionals learn that their websites and/or
mailings are NEVER done. They work hard to make it
easy for their visitors to get around and/or request
information. They understand the value of having
everything there - right on down to a phone number.

Professionals understand that requesting information
and buying online takes consumer confidence. Check
Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Wal-Mart, and more. Corporate
information, sales contacts, technical help - if
applicable - all listed there for easy access. They
know that having only an email contact is not enough.
Name, address (P.O. boxes are best!), phone number -
without those they know their website is incomplete.

ON INFORMATION:

The "boys" don't keep up with the times. Old stats? No
one will know the difference. Out of date or
nonexistent program, who cares? Since they don't "get
it" anyway, what's the point of keeping site
information up to date. Heck, most of us aren't going
to last two seconds there, so maybe they ARE saving
time!

The professional knows HOW MANY... products,
subscribers, affiliates. They understand that it is
important that those visiting know the current truth.
They understand their own website!

This does take a lot of work. As an example, my ezine
ad co-op is updated completely once a month, every
month. Letting advertisers know as closely as possible
the current subscriber counts in any given ezine is
vital - for me, the advertiser, and the publisher.
Getting the updates is critical. One cannot say one
thing yet mean another. The true professional knows
the difference.

The professional knows his or her product! They've
taken the time and effort to make themselves as close
to an expert as possible - an expert on their website
information.

CONCLUSION:

It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to
develop a good website. Many successful online
entrepreneurs started out with minimal cash, just like
the rest of us, but they understood and implemented
the basics.

Quality not quantity. Content is, and always will be,
king. Accessibility - both on your website and to you
directly. Simple yet powerful differences.

Yes, we all may know the difference, but it's the
DOING that separates the "men from the boys." Be sure
you are a doer. Shine and the world WILL recognize the
difference!

=========================================

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Theresa Cahill is the owner of two advertising co-ops,
http://www.mywizardads.com and
http://www.quickneasyads.com Two services for two
types of advertisers! Those who enjoy subscribing, and
those who prefer to advertise without the need to
subscribe. Come visit now!