*** Mentors

The origin of the word is Greek mythology. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War he placed Mentor in charge of his son and palace. rnRoll on to present day and mentors have been promoted from the babysitting and house-sitting to key advisory roles. Why get a mentor?rnLearn from someone who has been there and done it all before. rnHow to get a mentor? rnAsk! When I was writing comedy I was mentored by an Emmy Award-winning director for Third Rock. He was gracious, helpful and motivating. Most people want to help - they get a kick out of it. rnOvercoming ObjectionsrnBut they will be too busy. I won't be able to get hold of them. They won't want to waste time on me. True - maybe - or maybe not. rnOne-Off MentoringrnIf they are too busy - then ask for 10 minutes - period - one time only. Chances are they will accept that and if you don't scare them do it again. rnPhone MentoringrnFind the person and get a fax number and/or their assistant. Fax a request with a phone number. rnBetter still talk to your dog-groomer, aunt's best friend or first love and get a referral. rnKeys to Successive Mentoring rnBe businesslike - make an appointment with a start and end time and keep to it.rnBe prepared - know what questions you want to ask ahead of time.rnBe aware - know who you are talking to - research the mentor thoroughly.rnBe real - sometimes the most helpful mentor is not the superstar but someone who is a couple of rungs on the ladder ahead of you. Treat them with respect but as someone just like you!