Articles for Business Professionals Mentors Find a mentor. Mentors can help you cut years off your career growth curve. A mentor is someone more experienced in the business who is willing to give you some of their time, advice and support. Mentors never do this for money. They see some potential in you and maybe a little of themselves in you. They want to help and you must be ready. They can help you by opening doors with introductions, including you on special projects or dropping your name. How to find a mentor Attend business functions, get known within your company, association, community, and industry. Watch the news for potential mentors - send them notes -thank you's and congratulations. Call them to meet for breakfast or coffee. How to maintain a mentoring relationship Respect their time, advice and experience. Ask them probing questions and listen - taking notes is good. Ask about the three smartest things they ever did - then try to do them. Ask what three things they would do differently if starting over. Ask a lot, but take what is offered. Russian Proverb 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. Use what you learn from them. Try it. Be not afraid of growing slowly: be afraid of standing still. Chinese Proverb © George Torok is co-author of "Secrets of Power Marketing: Promote Brand You". To arrange your keynote speech or training program call 905-335-1997 or email George@Torok.com. To receive a free copy of 50 Power Marketing Ideas® and your free subscription to monthly marketing tips visit www.PowerMarketing.ca More marketing articles: http://www.powermarketing.ca/marketing_articles.html George Torok Marketing blog: http://georgetorok.blogspot.com/