How to Build a Unique Business

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see a red bullseye? If you’re like most people, your answer is Target.  What is it about Starbucks that makes it different from other coffee establishments?  Perhaps it’s the taste of the coffee itself, the blended language of their drink sizes.These are exceptional examples of a million dollar idea, but they are also standards that we can look up to.  Sometimes it seems as if everything has been done before.  Even so, your business can be a unique endeavor if you can apply and incorporate your own individuality.

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·         Focus on your personal strengths.  Even if your business is very similar to others, there is only one you.  Do some serious personal reflection to pinpoint what makes you different.  What can you bring to the table that no one else can?  For instance, you may be one of many direct sellers in your area working for the same type of company.  However, use your strengths to make yourself stand out from the rest.  A consultant with a background in theatre might do very well using his/her knowledge and expertise to create an entertaining and polished sales presentation unlike any that customers have seen before.  Your business is a reflection of who you are, so take advantage of that, and give it your personal flair.

·         Choose a micro-niche.  Instead of casting a wide net and trying to cater to a large market, narrow down your business and your target market.  The more narrow and specific you make it, the more recognized in your field you will become.  For example, a hair salon might focus on children’s hairdressing.  A micro-niche would be a salon that specializes in children’s hairstyles for the pageant circuit.  Now, a very specific target market can be reached, and the business can become a well-known one among those in that circle.

·         Make customer service a top priority.  Considering experiences you have had with other small businesses, what were their strong points?  Where were they lacking?  Use this knowledge to perfect your own customer relations.  Is there something you can offer that goes above and beyond what your competitors are doing?  Think about learning your customers’ names, something personal about them, and what they could get of your business that would somehow make their lives easier or more pleasant.  Modern technology has stolen much of our culture’s person-to-person interaction, so the better your customer service is, the more memorable you will be.

·         Use unusual interests to your advantage.  Whether you are starting a brand new business or looking to make an existing one more innovative, take a close look at your own interests.  Is there something unique or unusual about them?  For example, a forward-thinking individual named Jason Sadler developed an idea for wearing t-shirts to advertise companies wanting viral exposure.  His website has become its own community of people viewing and sharing his team’s content.

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The key to building a unique business is identifying your own personal distinction.  What other ways do you bring originality to your business?  Share with us in the comments section below!

5 Ways to Be More Successful in Sales

How do you achieve success in your business? Most likely, you strive to set goals for yourself, stay organized, delegate appropriately, participate in professional development, and prepare adequately for a day’s work. Doing all these things is an excellent start on your road to success, but I’ve come up with a list of actions you can take that will help your business thrive. How many of them have you mastered?

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·         Be assertive without making prospects uncomfortable. There is a fine line between assertive and pushy. Prospects have confidence in those who are assertive because it’s easy to tell that they are knowledgeable and believe in their product. Those who are pushy, on the other hand, tend not to listen to the prospect, fail to ask appropriate questions, and sometimes make him or her feel pressured to take action right then and there. Potential customers often shut down in response to a pushy salesperson because they don’t want to be rushed into a decision that may not be right for them. Always be sure you are listening to your prospect and responding to his or her social cues (eye contact, body language, etc.).

·         Don’t rely on your prospect to make the next move. In your effort to avoid being that pushy salesperson, don’t go too far in the other direction by leaving the ball in the prospect’s court. You must still be the one to take action in order to close the deal. That action may be to come right out and ask for the sale when appropriate, or possibly to follow up at a later date by sending an email or making a phone call. Even if the prospect leaves the meeting saying, “I’ll be in touch,” it is important that you follow up after an appropriate amount of time has passed.  Reach out to him or her and find out if there are any questions that still need to be answered or where he or she is in the decision-making process. A follow-up is an effective way to seal the deal.

·         Be positive by limiting negative thoughts. Negative thoughts and self-talk have a way of taking over your brain. When this happens, you begin to doubt yourself and lose motivation. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, pep talks, and reminders of all you have accomplished. Don’t just be your own worst critic; be your own best cheerleader as well. By reminding yourself regularly that you are intelligent and capable, you are driving yourself toward the success you so greatly want and deserve.

·         Think from a customer’s perspective. Avoid getting wrapped up in how a customer’s action or response affects you. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes; doing so allows you to better understand where you may be falling short in some aspect of your business. For example, you’ve recently replaced one of your products for a higher quality, but pricier version. At the same time, you notice that some of your most loyal customers haven’t been around lately. After reaching out to them, you find out that they are disappointed that their favorite product is no longer available. You may have been so excited about the new product that you failed to see how a customer would be hesitant to try something new, especially if it costs more and they loved the old version. Taking a walk in your customers’ shoes is essential to the success of your business.

·         Become a problem solver. Instead of being someone who sells a product or service to make a profit, be the person who provides solutions to customers’ problems. When the owner of an in-home daycare seeks out new customers, she emphasizes that her business provides the professional quality of child care in the comfort of her home. This solves a problem many parents have: where can I send my children while I’m at work that will be educational and nurturing at the same time? Her clients know that their children are getting the individualized attention and stimulation they need during the day so they can be the happy and well-developed children their parents want them to be. Figure out what problem you can solve for your customers and make it your number one priority to do so.

You can learn how it feels to be successful by putting your customers first. Listen to their needs while being assertive, think from their points of view, and solve problems. Your genuine interest in helping people will certainly shine through, and your business will succeed. What do you think of this list?

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 Please share your comments below!

What You Need to Know if You’re New to Sales

A career in sales can be a rewarding one.

It is an opportunity to harness your

enthusiasm and excitement for a great product line, and embrace all that lies ahead. If you’re new to selling, however, there are some basics you’ll need to master in order to get in the right mindset and reach your professional goals. Read on for some tips on how to get started.

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·         Ask questions to quickly find out what the problem is and/or what the customer needs. The product or service you’re selling is secondary. No one wants to feel like they’re being “sold to.” Your objective should be to find out what problem the customer has that needs solving. Do this right away, and as soon as you identify it, quickly explain the solution that your product provides. Your customers will be more open to what you have to say once they realize that they could benefit from what you’re selling.

·         Use language that is simple to understand. Don’t make the mistake of using business jargon or uncommon words in hopes of impressing the customer. Speak to them in a natural, conversational tone just as you would a friend. Remember that you’re building a relationship, so choose your words carefully and make a connection with the customer. Perhaps you both follow the same NFL team, or maybe you both have a child the same age. Use easy-to-understand language when describing your product just as you would while talking about the Broncos or your 2-year-old.

·         Create and describe a picture for the customer. Tapping into your customer’s imagination can be a very effective way to demonstrate his or her need for your product or service. For example, you’ve identified that the customer’s problem that needs solving is that the family dog constantly sheds year-round. Encourage your customer to visualize the dog hair on the couch that’s nearly impossible to vacuum, the daily morning ritual of de-linting his suits before leaving for work, and the feeling that the house is never truly clean because of dog hair dust bunnies that always appear even after the floor has just been swept. Now, when you propose your solution of more consistent grooming and a complementary de-shedding tool, you can create a different picture of a hair-free couch, clean suits, and shiny wood floors. By creating pictures, you’ve helped the customer compare their lives with the problem to what their lives could be with the solution you offer.

·         Ask more questions and listen carefully to their answers. This is especially true when you’re faced with objections or hesitation from the customer. Ask specific questions that get to the heart of the skepticism and truly listen to the answers. Some salespeople call this “getting to the no.” Instead of being afraid to hear the word “no,” get right to it so you can begin to address the customer’s concerns and overcome objections. Careful listening will help you focus your discussion to the customer’s specific needs.

·         Think of yourself as a guide. As a guide, it’s your job to lead the customer to the solution. Help him or her navigate the roadblocks such as price points, time commitments, or value. Don’t get your prospect lost by losing your focus and going off on tangents about irrelevant topics. Address each concern and demonstrate the effectiveness of your proposed solution. Putting yourself in the role of guide will give you a more personable approach to sales.worried about money?click here.http://www.sfi1.biz/12009700

The art of selling is one that is developed over time. The more experience you gather, the more confident and capable you will become.

What else do you think should be added to our list? Please share your ideas below!

6 People Skills You Need to Succeed

There are many people who are good at what they do, but there are always a few who are exceptionally successful. Often, these individuals are highly successful because they also possess excellent people skills. The good news is that we can learn these skills and make them work for us too.

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Here are six people skills that will help you succeed:

1.    Learn to be calm and to think clearly.Have you ever seen a mother helping her child who just fell off a bicycle? She is calm and collected. It seems like she has practiced this moment hundreds of times and knows exactly what to do. In life and in business people who can stay calm, think clearly, and act quickly are better able to evaluate the situation and react successfully.

2.    Acquire knowledge and build self-confidence.  Have you ever heard the saying “knowledge is power”? Obtaining knowledge and then using it builds confidence in yourself and in your peers. People want to be around someone who is confident and has a proven record of success.

3.    Develop communication skills and apply them. The key to being a great communicator is being a great listener. Take the time to really listen to people and think about what they have to say before responding. When you genuinely value people’s feelings and ideas, they will reciprocate and feel that they can trust you.

4.    Develop a never give up mentality. There are many stories of people who ultimately became successful simply because they never gave up. People like Thomas Edison, who gave it a thousand tries before developing a working light bulb. His comment on his failures was that he successfully found 999 ways that a light bulb would not work. You must develop the same attitude, even if do not really believe it in the beginning. Practice this attitude until it becomes a part of your own beliefs.

5.    Acquire a win – win attitude. We live in a very competitive society. There is almost always a winner and a loser. But this does not have to be. Especially, when it comes to business, you do not want your customers to feel that you sold them something they did not want. You want them to feel that they purchased a great product/service at a great value and that you helped them. Focus on converting every situations into a win – win for everyone involved and success will be the by-product.

6.    Develop great networking skills and a network of supporters. Find out where your target market is and get involved with their dreams, needs and concerns. Learn how to talk to people and make them feel comfortable. Build relationships based on mutual respect, caring and benefit. The larger your network is, the greater your influence and success.

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Most successful people possess all or some of these skills. For some of them these skills came naturally, but for most of them it was learned. Develop and apply these skills to help you succeed in your endeavors. What do you think? Did we leave any people skills out? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comment below.

Ten Tips for Leaders

Whether you are a seasoned direct sales leader in your company with a large downline or are just starting out as a consultant, it helps to adopt the qualities of an effective leader. For existing leaders, possessing these characteristics can help you maintain a profitable business. For direct sales novices, strengthening your leadership skills will improve your customer service as well as prepare you for any future aspirations you have for a leadership position within your company. Here are our top ten tips for being a good leader.

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1.    Put people first. It isn’t always about the money. Putting people first is not only the right thing to do, but in the long run, it will contribute to your developing a good reputation as a reliable, trustworthy business person. For example, a consultant doing a home party booked several future parties with the incentive for those potential hostesses to have their own parties within the next three months. In doing so, the present hostess was able to receive a bonus in her rewards. When one of the potential hostesses had to back out due to a conflict, the consultant had to choose between rescinding the bonus for the original hostess or work to re-book the lost party. She decided it would be better for her business in the long run if she thought about her customers first; she kept her word, rewarded the bonus, and gained a loyal customer.

2.    Work cooperatively with others. In any sales career, you will likely interact with all different kinds of people. It is important to find common ground and cooperate to maximize your productivity. This goes for customers and colleagues alike, and it sets a good example for those in your downline.

3.    Maintain high positive energy. It’s normal to feel stressed or burned out once in awhile, but maintaining a high level of energy and positivity will work wonders for your own morale. Remind yourself why you started your business, what you love about it, and why you want to continue. Be your own best cheerleader; it will go far in helping to motivate others looking to you for guidance.

4.    Set clear goals. Any goals dealing with your business should be clear, specific, and challenging but realistic. Setting a goal “to make enough money to quit my full time job” is well-intended, but it could set you up to fail. It makes no mention of just how much money that would require or the timeframe involved to complete it. Decide exactly what you want and how you will go about achieving your goal to set yourself up for success.

5.    If you can’t measure it, don’t do it. Trying to accomplish a goal with no concrete way of measuring its completion will only bring you a lot of frustration. Part of what keeps us motivated is the knowledge that we are heading in the direction of accomplishment, but if you don’t know exactly what that looks like, then how will you know when you get there?

6.    Share your power with your people. Have you ever seen a movie you enjoyed so much that you can’t wait for your friends to see it too? That feeling of wanting others to share in your enthusiasm should play a big role in your business. You’ve mastered a certain set of skills that are bringing you great success; share how you do it with others. People under your leadership want to learn.

7.    Lead with action more than words. If you tell people one thing, but do another, you will lose your credibility. Words mean nothing when accompanied by actions that don’t match. Do what you say to earn and keep others’ trust in you.

8.    Use common sense. This is especially important when faced with a difficult decision. In the example of the consultant mentioned above, she was well within her rights to rescind her original hostess’s bonus. However, common sense told her that this would be unfair to the hostess who would likely express her frustration to her friends who were at the party. By following common sense, she avoided a tense situation and gained a loyal customer.

9.    Keep it simple, and don’t sweat the small stuff. When things get complicated, break them down into simple terms. There will always be obstacles, but be sure to pick your battles and don’t get bogged down with trivial things.

10. It’s business, but make it fun! The wonderful thing about a career in direct sales is the flexibility it brings in allowing you to make the business your own. Add your own personal flair to your sales pitch, your professional development workshops, and your opportunity presentations. Find what makes you happy and integrate the fun stuff into your business. Your enjoyment will rub off on those around you.

Taking on a leadership role may or may not come naturally to you, but adopting certain qualities will definitely improve your effectiveness. What do you think of our list? Would you add anything else? Please share your ideas below!

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Making Facebook Work For Your Business

Do you use Facebook for your business? With nearly a billion people using the social network internationally, it’s a great tool to connect with existing customers and prospects, while also finding new ones. But you can’t just advertise your business indiscriminately on the service. Keep these points in mind when using Facebook for your business:

·         Start with a Plan. Before you begin using Facebook for your business, be sure you know what you want to gain as a result. Are you trying to encourage repeat business? Find new prospects for your business opportunity? Get customer feedback? By starting with an end in mind, you’ll ensure that the actions you take on Facebook are focused and results-oriented.

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·         Engage Regularly. Facebook is a SOCIAL network. You can’t be social if you don’t show up. So be sure to set aside time daily, even if it’s just 10-20 minutes, to engage with people on Facebook. Ask and answer questions, comment on photos and status updates, listen to what others have to say, share interesting content that the people you’re connected with may enjoy. The point is to be social, and not just post an update and move on to the next thing.

·         Set Up a Business Page. Facebook Terms of Service is very clear about where businesses are allowed to promote themselves, and it’s NOT within a personal Profile. If you are planning to ask people to do anything on Facebook from which you will make money, you MUST do those posts within the context of a Facebook Page.  

·         Run Contests Within Facebook Guidelines. Contests are a fabulous way to build momentum for your business, and create additional awareness. But you must follow the rules. Rules??? Yes, Virginia, Facebook does have requirements when it comes to contests. You may NOT use any Facebook feature (liking, commenting, etc.) as an entry for a contest. Instead, you must use a 3rd party application to administer your contest.  

·         Consider Facebook Advertising. Facebook advertising can be a great way to generate additional awareness of your business. Be sure you’re advertising in a giving spirit, however. Give away something free (such as an ebook or a coupon) to encourage people to click and learn more.  

·         Have Patience. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will your Facebook community. It takes time and nurturing to build an engaged community. Focus on providing great content, listening to and connecting with others, and making relevant offers that are interesting to your community. And ask your community to share your Page with their friends! If they find you valuable, they’re more likely to do so.

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How do you use Facebook to build your business? What additional tips would you give? We would love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

How to Mentally Prepare for a Successful Business

When tackling any difficult task or project, preparing yourself mentally is crucial to accomplishing your goals. Sufficient mental preparation allows you to stay the course, handle obstacles that arise, maintain motivation, and follow through to the end. In today’s post, we suggest a few ways for you to mentally prepare yourself for a successful direct sales business.

• Establish and project an unshakeable confidence that you’ll achieve your goal. You may not genuinely have this confidence in the beginning, but “fake it ‘til you make it.” Achieving your goal should not be in question; think of it as something that WILL happen no matter what. Projecting this idea onto others will make them want to follow you because we are naturally attracted to those who are successful. For example, a fairly new direct sales consultant, eager to sign her very first recruit, is meeting a prospect to present the opportunity. When the prospect asks about incentives for building a downline, the consultant shares the company’s numbers and states very confidently that she herself plans on reaching the first recruiting level (4 people in her downline) in time to earn a free trip to this year’s national convention. The prospect is impressed with her certainty and therefore becomes confident in the company itself. Apply this same idea to sales presentations and networking events to provide a well-rounded business for yourself that is successful in all areas.

• Get used to being uncomfortable and excel in it. Remaining in your comfort zone and stepping away from every risk will not get you very far as an entrepreneur. Embrace those aspects of your business that cause you a bit of discomfort. Feel uneasy asking for referrals? Do it as often as possible in as many ways as you can think of. Dread the phone calls to follow up with a prospective hostess? Make those calls a strength of yours. After awhile, you’ll come to recognize this discomfort as an opportunity for big success and you’ll excel in trying new things all the time.

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• Always keep moving forward and never give up. Accept the fact that there will be setbacks, you will experience frustrations, and you may even consider throwing in the towel. Tough times can truly test your resolve so do not even consider giving up for a second. If you make a mistake, fix it and learn from it. If you lose your motivation, set new goals that reignite your ambition. Use all the resources at your disposal to move your business forward, learn and grow as a professional, and see your goals come to fruition.

• Go all in 100%. Everything you do in your business should be done with every ounce of effort you possess. Whether you want to make this business your full-time job with a full-time income or you want it provide just a little bit of extra wiggle room when you pay your bills each month, put in 100%. If you only go halfway and find that it is not working out the way you want, you’ll never know what your true potential is.

If you are committed to doing all of these, then you are ready to build a successful business and all the ups and downs that come with it. Just as an athlete stretches before a game or a piano player runs scales before a concert, you must put in the preparation required to run your business.

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Is there anything else you feel is necessary to mentally prepare for success? Please share in the comments section below!

Six Ways To Get Motivated

Do you ever feel burned out or run down? The pressures of operating your own business can really take its toll, both physically and mentally. For those times when you can’t seem to muster up the drive you need to continue, here is a list of exercises for your body and brain to help you get motivated.

1.    Be a cheerleader and friendly toward everyone. By building up and encouraging others, you are also doing the same for yourself. Pay attention to the reactions of other people as you cheer for them, give them pep talks, and praise their accomplishments. Knowing you have made someone feel genuinely valued will motivate you to take your own advice.

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2.    Talk to yourself in a positive way. We all know the dangers of negative self-talk, so counteract the effects by engaging in positive self-talk on a regular basis. Start your day with a mantra you’ve created or a daily motivational quote. Whenever you encounter an obstacle, be your own cheerleader to help move past it. Use your mind as a strength; don’t let it work against you.

3.    Play your favorite music and start a dance party for one. Any exercise you prefer is good for your body. Dancing around to your favorite music can free your body from the constraints of everyday life. Try doing this even once or twice a week, and you’ll begin to use this exercise as a stress reducer and a way to unload any negativity that has accumulated. Dance away!

4.    Sing out loud to your favorite song. Whether you sing into the removable shower head or your steering wheel on the way to work, crank up that song and belt it out. Choose songs that fit your current mood or help get you in a better one. Engaging with music in this way has positive effects on your brain, so don’t be afraid to sing to your heart’s content.

5.    Get a partner and work together. Research has shown that working with a partner for such activities as physical fitness or academic studying is more effective than doing so alone. Working with a partner increases accountability and therefore maintains motivation. Choose someone you trust who has similar ambitions and interests.

6.    Make a list of what you are grateful for. The act of writing these down can help you get some perspective, especially when you are having a difficult time. It’s easy to get bogged down with the normal stresses of work and life, so create a list that you regularly review or add to when you need a pick-me-up. Think of what makes you happy: your children, your home, your pet, or even that delicious meal you just ate. Reminding yourself of what’s good in your life will renew your motivation to plow through more trying times.

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Try any or all of these exercises to help you get and stay motivated.

What other exercises have worked for you? Please share your ideas below!

4 Ways To Make Your Product Seem More Valuable and Desirable

You probably think that your product line is the best one out there. After all, that’s why you sell it! And it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that because you understand the benefits, the value is obvious to everyone. But that’s usually not the case. And simply reciting a long list of features and benefits will likely lose you the sale. It takes a skilled salesperson to highlight products in a way that make them seem valuable and desirable to customers.

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Here are some tips to make your products feel more valuable and desirable for your customers:

1.    Get people talking. The more you can get others talking about your products, the more valuable and desirable they will seem. So when your customers are happy with your products, ask them to tell a friend. Provide them with the “above and beyond” service experience that makes them want to jump on Facebook and tell all their friends to shop with you too. Record videos of your customers using your products (or ask them to provide videos) and feature them through your social media profiles. Post testimonials from happy customers on your Facebook Page and website so people see how great your products are. Run contests where people submit pictures of themselves using your products, and share those photos with their friends. It’s a human trait to want what others have and like. Capitalize on that to build the desire for your products.

2.    Skip the long features list. Presenting too many features and benefits can bore your customer, and cause them to become overwhelmed, so they buy nothing at all. Instead, listen carefully to your customer and ask questions that help you find out what is important to him or her. Then you can highlight just the features that are most relevant to that specific customer, which makes your product seem most valuable to him or her.

3.    Highlight ease of use. The easier you can make your product seem, the more valuable it will be in the eyes of your customer. Of course you don’t want to in any way misrepresent your product, but educating your customer on how to use your product so that they don’t have to struggle to figure it out later will help your customer make a purchasing decision. Rather than having to rely on the instructions that come in the box, they’ve already had an educated salesperson who has taken the time to explain the product, and shown how easy it is to use. That beats a nameless, faceless big box store with uneducated employees every day of the week, and makes it more likely you’ll get the sale.

4.    Offer a test drive. People love to “try before they buy,” so when possible, give people the chance to test out your products risk-free. Offer a money-back guarantee, or have samples they can use before they purchase.  When you let people use your product first, they can see for themselves how valuable your product is, which increases the likelihood that they will buy it, because they’ve integrated it into their routine.

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When customers have a chance to use and understand your products, they are more likely to purchase for themselves, and tell their friends. How do you present your products so that your customers find them desirable and valuable?

How To Find a Mentor and Be a Mentor To Others

The mentor-protege relationship is one that has a great deal of value in the small business world.  It should be a mutually beneficial relationship, so both finding a mentor and becoming one require knowledge and responsibility.  Here is a how-to guide for finding a mentor who can help you succeed in your business, as well as what it takes to become an effective mentor to someone just starting out.Sign up today and build your success business online.http://www.sfi4.com/12009700/first

Finding a Mentor

·         The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of resources, which are readily available on its website.  Additionally, the SBA also partners with SCORE, a “nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide.”  Their website is also chock full of information to help you get started.

·         Decide what you want.  Identify what exactly you wish to be the result of the relationship.  Do you want an expert in marketing? Someone well-connected who can help you network with others in the field? A good listener who has been where you are in business?  Figuring out the qualities you want in a mentor will help you narrow your search tremendously.

·         Look in the right places.  There’s nothing wrong with starting your search with your family and friends who may have the expertise you’re looking for.  Outside of that circle, you may find an effective mentor in a former boss, at a professional development workshop, or trade show.  Your extended network of contacts may contain just the person you need.

·         Reach out to your industry.  If you haven’t found a mentor in your immediate or extended network, consider contacting your local chamber of commerce or the business editor of the local newspaper.  Chances are that you will find a large group of knowledgeable people right in your own backyard.

·         Seek recommendations.  Just as if you were hiring a landscaper or finding a good dentist, ask others in your field for recommendations about potential mentors.  Get some information about the person’s business background and experience, and come up with a list of questions you would ask about what he or she can offer.  You may even arrange a phone interview to see if this person would fit your needs.

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Being a Mentor

·         Ask questions.  When taking on a protégé, it must be clear to both parties what is expected of each other.  The protégé should be asking questions, but as a potential mentor, you should come to the table with questions as well, such as those about the person’s business education, relevant experience in the field, and long-term goals.  This will help you focus your efforts and create a plan of action for your protégé.

·         Be a coach. Help your protégé create a positive and supportive environment. Instead of pointing out faults teach your protégé to identify problems and to develop a plan to overcome them. Coach your protégé to be self-reliant and goal oriented.

·         Set a timeline.  As the mentor, you may have a better idea as to how long it might take to reach whatever goals have been agreed upon.  Will you be mentoring this person for six months? A year?  How often will you meet over the course of the relationship?  Make sure that you both are comfortable with the time parameters of the arrangement and decide whether or not you are flexible should someone’s needs change.

·         Make yourself accessible.  If you are making the commitment to mentor someone, you should be available to them in a reasonable fashion.  Aside from meeting at regular intervals and perhaps touching base via email or phone in between, your protégé should feel comfortable contacting you at other times if necessary.

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Tell us about your own mentoring relationships in the comments section below.