| OK, you know you need a mentor, but how do you go | | | | they aren't likely to feel much loyalty to your company. |
| about getting one. And, what do you look for? | | | | Their allegiance will be to you. In other words, Mentors |
| The easiest thing to do is to find people who possess | | | | should be completely devoid of affiliation with your |
| traits you want to have someday, but haven't | | | | current role in your present company. Let's face it; |
| managed to achieve for yourself yet. We urge you to | | | | most of us switch jobs several times during our work |
| find three or four people you can use to help you | | | | career. It's best if we don't have to swap-out mentors |
| develop as a marketer and as a business professional. | | | | each time we change jobs. The mentors are there for |
| In an earlier article we discussed Maslow's Hierarchy | | | | you, not for your company. |
| of needs. The highest human need is the Need for | | | | Here are some qualities to consider when picking a |
| Self-Actualization. Many of the people you will chose | | | | mentor: |
| as Mentors have "made it" in their field. Don't just think | | | | - Industry/profession mentor is in |
| in terms of captains of industry or tech-gurus, here. | | | | - Background: Sales? Production? Management? |
| Ordinary people that have made it include successful | | | | Operations? |
| teachers or parents or that small business owner | | | | - Age |
| down the street. The point is that these people are | | | | - Gender |
| accomplished in their fields and one way they can feel | | | | - What special insights can they bring that benefit you |
| good about themselves is to pass on a bit of a legacy | | | | Remember; don't just pick a "marketing mentor". All of |
| to the rest of humanity. Most of us don't write books. | | | | your mentors can help you in various areas of your |
| We pen our legacy in flesh and blood by handing on | | | | life. It's important to have several. |
| what we know to others. Remember that this is a | | | | Finally, when using a mentor, remember that you will |
| need most people have deep inside. As long as you | | | | give back to them. They will be looking for good ideas, |
| aren't a burden, then you might as well be the recipient | | | | too. If they are still growing as human beings and |
| of this need for people to pass on a portion of their | | | | open-minded, then they will gain benefit from your input |
| professional and life experience. | | | | back to them. Mentoring is rarely a one-way street. |
| Just make sure you give them your undivided attention. | | | | Remember: Brand (who you are) + Package (your |
| A thank-you note once in a while doesn't hurt, either. | | | | Face to the Customer) + People (customers and |
| Mentors are like Mavens, they really enjoy helping out | | | | employees) = Marketing Success. |
| when they can. In the case of the Mentor, however, | | | | |