A mentor can help you cut years off your growth curve. They are more experienced in the business and willing to give you some of their time, advice and support. Mentors never do this for money. They see in you some potential and maybe a little bit of themselves. They want to help and you must be ready.
How to find a mentor?
Go to business functions, get known in your community, associations, and industry.Get in contact with potential mentors - send them notes. Call to meet for breakfast or coffee.
How to maintain a mentoring relationship?
Respect their time, advice and experience. Ask them probing questions and listen. Ask about the smartest things they ever did - then try to do them. Ask what they would do differently if starting over again.
Act on what you learned. Report back with the results even if they weren't great. At least you listened and tried. That's what they want to hear. Thank them for their help - and be sincere. Never waste their time. Give back to them - with your ideas, thoughts and help. The worst thing you can do to a mentor is ask for their advice - then ignore it.
George Torok, co-author
Secrets of Power Marketing
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