Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

I have only recently started seeking out and utilizing mentors, and have met with more than one mentor at different times.

One I met during the course of working for a chiropractor, and my mentor was a client. My mentor is a university professor in marketing, and we worked out an agreement for his senior class to prepare marketing plans for the chiropractor. During the course of this project, I asked him to mentor me to help me do a better job for the chiropractor, to advocate for myself, and to teach me new ways of thinking as a marketer.

Another mentor was introduced to me by a mutual friend. She is on a similar path as myself, in that she worked as a marketer, then freelanced, then started her own business. As I am still in the process, and not too close geographically, she was very gracious and generous with her advice, information, and encouragement via email, telephone, and a couple of meetings.

Because I have recently returned to classes, I do not keep in contact with these mentors as often as before, although I probably should. I have not utilized them as accountability or planning partners yet, either.

Monthly contact at minimum is what I would recommend, and preferably every week or two if you need them to help you stay on track with planning. Set goals, discuss new methods of thinking, read and discuss recommended books, websites and other resources.

I would encourage you to approach people with whom you are not in competition, and open the subject by asking them if they are willing to just answer some questions you may have about your career. As you develop the relationship, ask if they are willing to continue this on a more regular basis and more in depth.

Think about what you want out of the relationship: guidance in developing your career? Training in new ways of thinking or approaching issues? Accountability? Mining for advice? Develop some questions, think about people you can approach, and ask! Most people are pretty friendly about that.

And don't be afraid to cut off a mentoring relationship that doesn't work. Recently I asked for mentorship from someone who I admired for his forthrightness, outrageous and innovative thinking, and spirit. Unfortunately, his take on that was that I should pay him with myself. Fortunately, I have more sense and self-esteem than to play that game, so I cut off that relationship as soon as that became plain.

If it becomes clear that the person is not a good fit with you for whatever reason, thank them for the time they have spent, and move on. All the more reason to just start with a few questions and develop the relationship from there.

Good luck!!