Working with a good mentor is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself in business. Being able to share your fears and frustrations, desires and aspirations with someone you trust and respect in a safe environment, is invaluable.
I only have one rule when it comes to working with a mentor: choose them wisely!
Over the years I’ve had several mentors; some good and others not so. The mentors, that haven’t contributed value have always been wolves in sheep’s clothing. I met a couple of wolves early in my career that not only gave me bad advice, but when the going got tough, they got going, demonstrating they were in it for the wrong reasons.
No matter what you’ve been through or will go through in future, I guarantee someone else has gone there before you. A good mentor has been there and will offer practical advice to help you get towards your destination.
A mentor can be utilised to develop most areas in business, particularly ones that aren’t your strong suits, such as finances, leadership, entrepreneurialism, motivation or sales.
You dont have to catch-up with your mentor in person every week, you can meet via phone or Skype once a month or whatever works for you both. Or it can be an ad hoc basis for areas you need help with on the fly. Just remember a good mentor is in demand so dont abuse their generosity or time. And always offer to help them in some way in return, if you can.
Most successful people get a buzz from sharing their vital lessons and wisdom with others. Perhaps you remind them of a younger version of themselves? Maybe they just like you and share your values? You would be surprised at how many good and willing mentors are out there that never get asked for help. So ask! You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
They’re all around us. It could be a client? A friend of a friend? Perhaps a father-in-law? Maybe your sister? Someone you respect and trust? Or possibly it’s a person who is where you want to be life? For me, personally mentors have always materialised through people that I know and trust, making them a safer bet.
Always be wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing and false prophets. Working with a mentor that you dont know very well can be fraught with danger, so proceed slowly and cautiously. The same principle applies if your mentor is charging for their time.
In my experience many successful mentors are older, but that’s not always the case. And not all successful people are good mentors – that will depend on their natural instinct for coaching.
Working with a mentor shouldn’t cost you more than a coffee or lunch here and there…but if you find a good one – you small investment could pay off big time!
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Trent Leyshan is the founder and CEO of BOOM Sales! a leading sales training and sales development specialist. He is also the creator of The NAKED Salesman, BOOMOLOGY! RetroService, and the Empathy Selling Process.
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
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