Professionalism is absolutely critical to the success of any service business. If you appear more professional than the next installer, you will get more referrals and repeat business...period. This will be the first of several blogs discussing, not only maintaining a professional demeanor on the jobsite, but also a professional appearance through advertising, bids and invoices, and customer interaction.

Common Sense, Personal Appearance: I worked in a nearby hospital for the better part of one winter a few years ago. It was a great contract installing loads of commercial vinyl and carpet. A helper of mine chose to wear a "Mr. Zog's Sex Wax" t–shirt one day that made me look bad and nearly got him banned from the job. I play hockey, so I realize that "sex wax" really is "the best for your stick," but the little old lady who read the shirt in the hallway didn't know anything about hockey, and didn't think the shirt was at all appropriate. I agreed with the superintendant on the job and asked my helper to wear the shirt inside–out for the remainder of the day. My uniform for work is very simple. I wear a solid color pocket t–shirt, and jeans. In this business, it is impossible to avoid stained jeans, but holes are undesirable to customers. Also, it should be common sense, but when you show–up at the job site, avoid smelling of last night's booze and save the "B is for Beer pong" hat to impress your buddies on your day off. One more thing, there are some very funny cell–phone ring tones out there, but be sure yours is not going to offend a customer if it goes–off while you're working in their home.?