Fake Professionals

Do you ever come across fake professionals? I guess I should explain what I mean by this term. 

It often happens that people write terms that they have not yet defined, with the hope that the ambiguous statement will be understood. Hillel the Torah Sage, said: “Do not make an ambiguous statement, which is not readily understood” (Ethics of the Fathers 2:4). These are important words to consider when speaking to anyone about any topic. 

I will speak now about professionals and fake professionals, in business. 

A real professional is ready for a meeting. They have studied the topic of the meeting before the meeting and have advice to offer and understand the project being proposed. They know the timeline for the work and have a proposed budget in mind for their bid. 

Also, of great importance is that a professional will maintain confidence, at all costs and not breach confidential information. This is likely the most valuable trait of a real professional.

In business, it is crucial to know who to trust. Imagine if you told a prospective business partner an idea for a new process or new technology and forgot to have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. You would have little or no control over them taking your idea, as their own and using your business model as theirs. 

A fake professional is a gossiper and will breach your trust. Be sure to get references of business partners and business advisors before you attend a meeting with anyone. 

Fake professionals will likely be late, without an excuse or better yet with an excuse that makes no sense. 

Fake professionals will try to change the deal once you have both agreed to the terms. They will want to negotiate, even after the deal is finalized. Avoid these fake professionals. 

A business transaction should entail an offer, a meeting to discuss terms, an acceptance or refusal of the offer and a signing of deal. Then the business venture should become active. Hopefully, everyone will profit from the agreement. 

A fake professional will sabotage the prospect of profit, except for themself or maybe even for themself. Be cautious of people that just want to have meetings and discuss terms, but that don’t want to conduct business. 

A good business deal is one where everyone can generate profit. This is different from just breaking even or worse yet losing money. But being busy, with busy-ness and not business.