How can I be taken seriously as a young professional?

Question

As a young adult, I can feel out of place in the business world. My boss hired my because he knows what I am capbale of (which is great) however, biz people that I network with and even our clients often blow me off. I know that I may lack the poise that only comes with experience, but how can I earn the respect of these older people and make them see what my bosses have seen in me?

Answer 1

No matter how good you are you have to prove yourself and this comes with time. Just hang in there and give it time.

Answer 2

Well, cglin, you've got to live up to that potential by demonstrating who you are, and what you're about, everyday. Make it a plan, and stick to it. The more focused you are, and the more serious about getting the job done you are, the more respect you will earn. (Remember, respect is earned, not given.) You will have some dud days, but if you stay on the course that you've set, and make sure that each move that you make demonstrates your vision, then either sooner or later, everyone will notice. You will also build confidence through that type of self discipline.

The other side of it is being likeable. People do business with people that they like and admire. You don't have to be liked because you are an a$$ kisser, or anything like that. Just be affable and admirable while staying your course. A lot of doing business is politics and diplomacy. (When you see CEO's of powerful companies on TV, etc., they always come across as likeable and charming, even if they are a$$holes.)

Good luck.

Answer 3

I know what you mean. Not only am I young...but I look even younger than my age!
I've discovered that it's all in the way you present yourself. Don't walk in with an arrogant attitude that says " I may be young but I'm just as knowledgeable as all of you!" Be calm, friendly. Smile. Just do your job and time will show them all that you know what you're doing.Don't try to prove this in one sitting.
Be yourself. Don't be afraid to sit silent and listen - but when the moment comes for you to speak....speak up! Look the others in the eyes. And if anyone talks down to you....don't cower. Look them dead smack in the eyes. I always do this for a brief moment and with a blank or bored expression on my face. You'll discover the expression that works for you. Then I go on about my business. It has an interesting affect on the down-talkers. They don't usually confront me a second time. I guess it's true... "Actions speak louder than words" ;)

Poise though is VERY important. You know what your weakness is but don't let it hold you back. WORK ON IT. Take a class. You can do it. With hard work and determination ( like you don't already know) You'll find your respectable place in the business world.

Here's to you!!

Answer 4

First, dress the part. Dress how the bosses on the next level up from you dress. Don't dress like your co-workers or staff.
Look at how the managers dress, and dress like that.

Many companies want their female managers wearing nylons and close-toed shoes. No dangling earings. Wear stud earings only. And watch the color of your nail polish and lipstick.

One company where I worked, it was a big deal that I had long hair, even though I kept it nicely styled. I never realized this was an issue until I was in a meeting and someone mentioned it. Then I noticed that all the other female managers had shoulder-length or shorter hair. (I still refused to cut it.)

So take notice. In many companies, how you dress and present yourself makes a big difference.

Answer 5

What ever you did to empress your bosses you must do to empress the others, because your bosses are saying " If he can do that out there than he is our man" so go to work and do the job you were hired to do, don't waste time tiring to please every one, you don't earn respect you demand it by the way you carry your self, say what you mean and mean what you say and at the end of the day you have respect for your self.

Answer 6

Dress professionally, carry yourself with confidence and most importantly, wheh you talk to people, look them in the eye. Not a stare-down look, but a soft look, dead in the eye.

Confident eye contact will get you farther than anything else, as a single element of your approach to people in any field or situation.

Aquire the knowledge to make you confident in your field and show that confidence. Stay well away from arrogance, though.

I hope this helps. :)

Answer 7

Work your hardest and don't let them get to you. Be friendly to them and eventually they will realize that you are brilliant. The same thing happened to me. And I never let anyone get me down. I kept my head held high and always had a smile on my face. And eventually everyone realized that I was great. And since my job has been easier. They also may feel threatened by you because you are either new or they feel like you are intruding. Don't let it get you down. You are capable of great things.

Carpe Diem <-------- (seize the day)

Answer 8

I think they would like to see a little more of you. Try wearing shorter skirts and lose the under clothes, I suspect you will get more attention. Give it about a year, if that doesn't work try being patient and learning the ropes before trying to run the rodeo.

Answer 9

If you want to be treated like a professional, then be a professional, and remember this:
Being a professional means that you are not above admitting it if you don't know something, or if you are wrong and always be open to learning more.
Be yourself, that's what they saw when they hired you.

Answer 10

1. Show up
2. Be on time
3. Bring a plan
4. Ensure your plan is committed to excellence
5. Be prepared to begin executing the plan yourself

do this and you will shine above the competition.

Answer 11

Look like a professial. Get a professional haircut, professional clothes, etc. Basically, watch "Legally Blonde" and do the opposite of what she does.