Nobody starts at the top. If we did, there would be no place to go but down.
Good thing there are people willing to take up-and-comers under their wings to help guide, shape and inspire them. It's a safe bet that most who are successful had someone pulling for them and challenging them.
Sure, the apprentice (or "mentee") benefits from the mentor's knowledge, skills and experience, but mentors also derive benefits, as well. Here are a few reasons you should consider becoming a mentor:
Mentors reaffirm contacts via introductions. When mentors introduce their mentees to peers, they often renew their contacts, thereby strengthening their network. Since you've become a mentor, many will perceive your value to be higher - which makes your networking efforts much easier.
Mentoring makes for easy branding. Taking someone under your wing shows the world that you're an expert. This helps increase your brand when others learn what you're doing. Mentoring shows that you are now a teacher because you have a student. It's really that simple.
Mentors become the hub. When you mentor, you'll inevitably introduce your contacts to your mentee. And, because mentoring increases your brand, your contacts will likely come to you for information and other contacts. This makes you a networking hub - which increases your brand even more.
IN THE CARAVAN: Becoming a mentor can strengthen your network and increase your brand.
NEXT WEDNESDAY: How to Professionally Look Foolish
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