As I am scripting this video sales tip, an imperfect world surrounds me. It’s been a couple of days since I’ve shaved. Since I’m playing pickle ball later today, I didn’t take a shower and I am wearing a hat. Outside my office, machinery is shredding brush and, presumably, small trees. It’s noisy.
I’ve been working from home since 1982 with only a short break of 18 months where that wasn’t true. Back then, it was professional heresy to hear a dog barking or a child crying or machinery shredding brush and, presumably, small trees.
Not so today.
Even before COVID-19, the rules had changed. The need to demand complete silence from those around you has turned into a, “Honey, Daddy’s on a Zoom call right now. I’ll be with you shortly” universally-accepted interruption.
We are all cutting each other a lot of slack these days:
- Uncut hair? No problem!
- Unkempt hair? Me, too!
- Uncolored hair? I didn’t even notice!
- Noise in the background? I can hear you just fine!
Roll with it!
But…
…at the same time, let’s remember to maintain a certain level of professionalism. While much is allowed and forgiven, make “messy” the exception and not the rule. There is never a time when it doesn’t pay to be at your very best.
