How to come across as a complete industry amateur

You have all the technical skill in the world. You're bursting with industry knowledge and profound workplace insights. However, with a few choice behavioural moves, it is entirely possible for you to undermine your own position as an industry expert.

Here are seven ways to look like a complete industry amateur, in spite of your incredible ability:

1. The Circus Car Arrival

It's not about the car itself. Your mode of transportation can be humble. However, it also has to be clean. And when you arrive at your client's premises, do Coke cans and 18 family members spill out of your doors?

2. Stealing the Sugar

You're there to secure the large deal; win the biz prize. While you're there, do you try to score small things at the expense of the big one? ...Steal the sugar and lose the contract?

3. The Spelling Mistake

You present your invoice, and the client's name is misspelled. Small things often speak volumes, and it doesn't even matter whether spelling is a part of your offering or not. It says something about how seriously you take the whole process.

4. Neglecting the Ribbon

Buy a new car, and by golly, you want that stupid ribbon! It doesn't matter that the ribbon is a cheap, meaningless token. You want that sense of occasion. So don't forget to provide it for your clients; whatever your particular ribbon might be. Often, the perceived professionalism is in the packaging, and it's a way to stand out above your competitors.

5. The Peeling Paint and the Missing Tooth

How does all of your visual iconography come across? What do your clients actually see when interacting with you? Are you the lobby of the Ritz? Or a scene from Wrong Turn?

6. The Leering Uncle

Don't be creepy. Your client may be pretty, but she doesn't want to sit on your knee.

7. The Assumed Prejudice

Never, ever assume that your client shares an enjoyment for racist or prejudiced humour. They may very well laugh along. But it could be out of embarrassment. And ultimately, clients vote with their money.

Do these things consistently, and in spite of your incredible abilities and boundless knowledge, you may still come across as an industry amateur.