OK, you know you need a mentor, but how do you go about getting one. And, what do you look for?

The easiest thing to do is to find people who possess traits you want to have someday, but havent managed to achieve for yourself yet. We urge you to find three or four people you can use to help you develop as a marketer and as a business professional.

In an earlier article we discussed Maslows Hierarchy of needs. The highest human need is the Need for Self-Actualization. Many of the people you will chose as Mentors have made it in their field. Dont just think in terms of captains of industry or tech-gurus, here. Ordinary people that have made it include successful teachers or parents or that small business owner down the street. The point is that these people are accomplished in their fields and one way they can feel good about themselves is to pass on a bit of a legacy to the rest of humanity. Most of us dont write books. We pen our legacy in flesh and blood by handing on what we know to others. Remember that this is a need most people have deep inside. As long as you arent a burden, then you might as well be the recipient of this need for people to pass on a portion of their professional and life experience.

Just make sure you give them your undivided attention. A thank-you note once in a while doesnt hurt, either.

Mentors are like Mavens, they really enjoy helping out when they can. In the case of the Mentor, however, they arent likely to feel much loyalty to your company. Their allegiance will be to you. In other words, Mentors should be completely devoid of affiliation with your current role in your present company. Lets face it; most of us switch jobs several times during our work career. Its best if we dont have to swap-out mentors each time we change jobs. The mentors are there for you, not for your company.

Here are some qualities to consider when picking a mentor:

• Industry/profession mentor is in
• Background: Sales? Production? Management? Operations?
• Age
• Gender
• What special insights can they bring that benefit you

Remember; dont just pick a marketing mentor. All of your mentors can help you in various areas of your life. Its important to have several.

Finally, when using a mentor, remember that you will give back to them. They will be looking for good ideas, too. If they are still growing as human beings and open-minded, then they will gain benefit from your input back to them. Mentoring is rarely a one-way street.

Remember: Brand (who you are) + Package (your Face to the Customer) + People (customers and employees) = Marketing Success.

2006 Marketing Hawks