Make sure you do your research.

That’s something we were always told in school. So why should things be any different in our careers?

I have been dumbfounded at the number of times I have overheard calls, read e-mails or listened to people make ridiculous statements that irreparably damage their credibility.

A few years back, during one of our large annual events that bring lots of guests through the station, a random person approached me to ask about our freelance opportunities.

Keep in mind this was an adult talking to me.

“Excuse me, are you with the TV station?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Ah, I thought you looked familiar.”

What?!  I’M NOT EVEN ON TELEVISION.

To be fair though, I did have my shirt tucked in and was wearing slacks (this was in my first year on the job, before I opted for jeans and untucked button-downs). Still, the conversation continued.

“So how would I get in to [field in broadcast television]? Do you hire freelancers for that?”

“Well, we have people on contract to handle stuff like that. But to get in to the field I would recommend [three or four things he could do to get experience/exposure]. Then contact [a specific person at the station].”

What I was thinking the whole time was, “this seems like an odd time for you to consider a career change into an industry you know nothing about.”

The other day we received a phone call from someone trying to sell us a product/service, where they referenced the fact we have Eric Halvorson and Angela Cain. Except we don’t. They both work at different competitors.

When you come in to a situation where professionalism can make or break your chances of being taken seriously, consider spending the extra 30 minutes to research the company/person you’re going to be talking to. Even if it’s just on Wikipedia and Yahoo! Stocks. It can help your credibility immensely.

Don’t walk in and say, “I didn’t know you were owned by the textbook company.”