In the last post we explored mentoring and its value. Once you start running a business, there are so many considerations and things that can change; it is hard to cover every base. This is where a mentor can offer value to your growth as a person and the growth of your business. This post offers some tips on mentor selection.
Always choose a mentor with a reasonably compatible background. Note the word ‘reasonably’. If you are selling left-handed widgets, a right-handed widget seller can still give you advice to grow your skill base. Spend some time with this mentor – essentially you are ‘feeling them out’. Most paid ‘mentor services’ will offer a ‘try before you buy’ deal. So, if after one or two sessions, you feel comfortable, and if you feel you are learning, book more. …show more content…
Mentoring should not be a ‘this is what I did, now you do it’ experience (although sometimes you might decide to do exactly what your mentor did – notice though YOU made that decision), you will want someone with a track record. One of things that I have found about mentors is that they do not mind sharing experience and they generally love guiding someone else. It is in their skill in guiding that the real value lays. You will always find someone willing to tell you want they have done right. A mentor listens to your experience and advises, coaches, guides and warns; ultimately you make the
Always choose a mentor with a reasonably compatible background. Note the word ‘reasonably’. If you are selling left-handed widgets, a right-handed widget seller can still give you advice to grow your skill base. Spend some time with this mentor – essentially you are ‘feeling them out’. Most paid ‘mentor services’ will offer a ‘try before you buy’ deal. So, if after one or two sessions, you feel comfortable, and if you feel you are learning, book more. …show more content…
Mentoring should not be a ‘this is what I did, now you do it’ experience (although sometimes you might decide to do exactly what your mentor did – notice though YOU made that decision), you will want someone with a track record. One of things that I have found about mentors is that they do not mind sharing experience and they generally love guiding someone else. It is in their skill in guiding that the real value lays. You will always find someone willing to tell you want they have done right. A mentor listens to your experience and advises, coaches, guides and warns; ultimately you make the