Here are some very specific actions that we expect all TrustedProfessional.org members to follow:

1. Raise The Bar

   • I will work on establishing myself as an expert in my field
   • I will strive to deliver outstanding service to my Clients and to not only meet but exceed their expectations.
   • I will stay up to date of the current best practices, new technologies, legal requirements and standards as related to my areas of expertise.
   • I will continue to develop and enhance my level of competence through reading, peer contact and training.
   • I will increase my reputation score by attending events, submitting articles, participating in forums, building my trusted network and passing referrals within the TrustedProfesional.org community.

2. Do The Right Thing

   • I will conduct myself in a manner that reflects well on my Clients, Team, Peers and the Trusted Professional Community.
   • I will promptly abide by any stated guarantees related to my services.
   • I will accurately identify my level of competence within my area of expertise and I will not overstate my qualifications, expertise or experience.
   • I will respect the works and rights of others in copyrights, intellectual property, trademarks and patents.
   • I will acknowledge the contributions of others in developing my own materials and not misrepresent them as my own.

3. Build a Trusted Network

   • I will strive to build a reputation of being trustworthy.
   • I will pro-actively build my Trusted Network within the TrustedProfessional.org community.
   • I will add value to my Clients by connecting them to my Trusted Network.
   • I will help the members of my Trusted Network grow their businesses by passing them qualified referrals.
   • I will promptly follow-up with all referrals that I receive from my Trusted Network.
   • I will treat referrals received from my Trusted Network as if they were one of my best Clients.
   • I will invite other professionals that I trust to join the TrustedProfessional.org community.

4. The Client Comes First

   • I will build a relationship of respect and trust with my Clients.
   • I will only provide services and accept work that I am competent to perform based on education, training or professional experience.
   • I will ensure to clarify in writing, Client expectations when defining the request for service by outlining terms of service including fees, duration and expected completion time.
   • I will honor agreements I make in all of my relationships. If, for any reason, there is an agreement that I need to break, I will contact my Client immediately with an appropriate explanation and a revised proposal to fulfill the agreement.
   • I will seek to avoid all conflicts between my interests and the interests of my Clients.
   • I will discuss any perceived conflicts openly with my Clients at the earliest opportunity.
   • I will terminate the Client agreement / contract if I am unable to serve the Client objectively, respectfully or without internal or external conflict.
   • I will identify when my Clients are no longer benefiting from my services and provide reasonable steps to conclude the relationship or refer my Client to other members within the TrustedProfesional.org Community.

5. Build Long-term Relationships

   • If there is an interruption in providing my services, I will make reasonable efforts for other arrangements for my Clients.
   • I will respect my Clients right to privacy and confidentiality.
   • I will not share Client information, except as otherwise authorized by the Client, or as required by law.
   • I will not discuss confidential information in any setting unless privacy can be assured.
   • I will maintain confidentiality when creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of Client information.
   • I will take precautions to ensure and maintain confidentiality of information communicated through the use of telephone, voice mail, fax, computers, email, instant messaging and other information technology.

6. Get Things Done

   • I will pro-actively follow-up with my Clients, referrals received and other members of the TrustedProfessional.org Community.
   • I will promptly follow through with agreed actions, both verbal and written.
   • I will keep my Clients informed of any assigned activities on a regular and pre-determined basis.
   • I will do whatever it takes to deliver follow through on my agreements. If, for any reason, there is an agreement that I need to break, I will contact my Client immediately with an appropriate explanation and a revised proposal to fulfill the agreement.

Pledge of Ethics ...