So You'd Like a Mentor?
Let's say you've picked out your potential mentor (and as to where to meet them, live networking meetings or Web 2.0 participation are the very best ways) and now you'd like to approach him/her to discover whether they might help you.
Maybe this even seems daunting to you, but the reason for that is that you might feel that you are after a free lunch, or in the position of a beggar. If that's truly the case, then it would be inappropriate to ask, but luckily, in most cases, you do have value to bring. And this should be your mindset: don't be a parasite - seek to add value instead. It's not a gift, it's an exchange.
What are some of the ways you can add value for your potential mentor? Here are some examples:
*** You may have a circle of influence that you would be proud to introduce your mentor to.
*** You may have skills or knowledge that you can offer your mentor in return for his/her time (especially if you are young and very IT savvy and your mentor has expertise in other areas, for example).
*** You may be able to do "grunt" work for your mentor that can make his/her business life a lot easier.
What Do You Say to Your Potential Mentor When You Want to Set Up a Meeting?
Once you realise that it's your job to add value for your mentor, the task of asking for a meeting becomes very easy. Here are some examples:
"Joan, I'd really like to hear more about XYZ company so that I understand how to refer contacts more intelligently. I wonder if you'd mind a brief visit so I can find out more?"
"Peter, I was really interested to hear your comments about the ABC initiative because I'm involved in that area too. I wonder if you'd catch up with me for coffee some time so we can chat about some possibilities there?"
"Sue, when I visited your web site last week I thought it looked very professional, but I really felt strongly that its earning power could be ramped up so easily with a few simple changes. I wonder if you'd catch up with me for coffee some time so I could explain?"
Always remember that peer-mentoring in groups is the most effective mentoring you could ever receive, such is the power of the group. More articles, including an article on peer-mentoring are available on the site below.
Happy mentoring!
Related Tags: mentoring, sales, business development, web 2.0, professional development, peer mentoring
Christine Sutherland is the author of "Take Your Team to the Top" and the founder of My Speed Business Network, a free Web 2.0 community which helps business and sales professionals to develop better business development strategies. You can read more of Christine's articles on http://www.speedbusinessnetworking.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The No. 1 Rule For Projecting Confidence - Speak With Authority
One of the most important characteristics a person can project in a business setting - or any situat - After the Autumn Checkout European Debt Crisis and U.S. Brewing Rebound
In the commotion caused by the Fed on interest rates come to an end, the "disastrous" for the euro a - Advantages Of Arcade Game Rentals
There are many different advantages to arcade game rentals. Most people need something to release th - A General Primer on Truck Cargo Nets
In modern highways it is quite rare to see truck cargo nets in action, this is because they are usua - The United States Will Burst More Severe Financial Crisis
Not long ago, suddenly announced that the central bank to raise interest rates, the interest rate hi - Niche Marketing Profits - 3 Easy Steps to Finding a Profitable Niche Market Income in 10 Minutes
Like most beginners I was having a very difficult time trying to find a niche market to earn extra m - The Importance of Hospitality Management Consulting Firms Toronto
Businesses and the managers that help guide any business are in a constant state of improvement and - New Keynesian Theory Label
2010 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics three theories have been labeled as "New Keynesian" labe - Federal Reserve Pouring Money QE2 Unpredictable Fortune
U.S. economist Milton Friedman proposed a "throw the cash from a helicopter" view, while the practic - Fiscal Consolidation Should no Longer Delay
British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne today announced fiscal consolidation policy, shoc
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Common Financial Problems to Avoid
One must first change their habits and not procrastinate. American Consultants Inc at offers key fi - How a Bad Hire Can Hurt Your Business
What's worse - hiring the wrong person or not hiring anyone at all? Companies can become almost des - Joel Comm Is Dr. Adsense
What is Adsense? If you are new to making money online and net marketing, you may not know what Ads - 5 Steps For A Dynamic Wealth System Online
Recipe: Opportunity + knowledge + Dynamic Wealth System + Your Action = Massive Success!!! Step 1 - How To Stop Foreclosure
Losing your house to a foreclosure can be very scary. There are times when circumstances are ou - How to Always Pitch A Strike
As business owners, we are always working on new ways to convince people to become customers, client - Membrane Diffuser Solutions for Wastewater Treatment Systems
In the aeration basin of a typical wastewater treatment plant there are both organic and inorganic m - Another Year Hating Your Job or Loving Life?
Copyright © 2007 Mary Foley I've come to the conclusion that to be successful - really successf - Dyestuff Industry In India And China
World demand for dyes and organic pigments to touch $10.6 billion in 2008According to a study on dye - Cma-cgm Case : the Series of Lawsuits Continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England and the United States
Damietta company case : The series of lawsuits continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England a
