Finding the Right Mentor

Last week we talked about why having a mentor is wise regardless of our age or position in life. This week I want to look at how we go about selecting the right mentor.

Mentors come in all shapes and sizes and can have varied backgrounds, life experiences and communication techniques. Picking the correct mentor will be critical to your future development and success.

-So where do you start? You start with yourself! The first step in developing a mentor relationship is to understand the following about yourself.

 What do you want to accomplish out of life? Do you want to be a successful sales representative, a teacher a business leader? Determining what you want will be key to helping find the right mentor.
What do you expect from a mentor relationship? It’s important that you communicate your objectives clearly so that you are not disappointed.
Make sure you are willing to accept advise even if it means change.

-So you know what you want! How do you select a mentor?

Look at the “fruit on the tree”. When you select a mentor, that person should have many of the qualities that you would want to emulate.

Successful
Honesty
High Integrity
Good moral foundation

            These qualities are not always obvious but if you look, ask questions and do your homework your can find out what kind of person you are considering.

     2. Look for someone in your field or a field you are aspiring to go into. Also, find someone local or nearby if possible so you can meet face to face as needed.

     3. Lastly, listen to your “gut” most times you can get a feeling for someone. If your senses say stay away …listen.

A mentor relationship can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. It, however, is like everything else in life - you will get out of it what you put into it

 

Good Selling

Bob

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