The following are the messages that Designers in Waiting (DIW) and other direct-sale company reps are receiving when it comes to choosing a Mentor:
1.Go with the one that you learned about Origami Owl from. If it weren’t for them, you would not have known about Origami Owl.
2. Go with the one that you would want to hire as your boss, one that has been working with you, training you, motivating you, helping you build yourself and your business, and answering all your questions. (I say that this person should be the person in #1 as much as possible but it does not always work that way as people differ in work ethics, values and personalities, and prefer to be affiliated Mentors for other reasons).
3. Sign with a local mentor. You will be a part of a local team meetings, have a close network, a sense of belonging. Also, it is better when you do vendor events and can split costs and even buy/share inventory as business demands.
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I say…. when you look for a Mentor, THINK on these things:
Is she Truthful?
Is she Helpful?
Is she Inspiring?
Is she Necessary?
Is she Knowledgeable?
In addition to the above qualities, a Mentor is ultimately your business partner of your choice. Speak with you local Potential-Mentor. It is simply interviewing your potential boss for a job they will be doing for you. Is he or she actively working the business? Is she accessible? Is she learning and growing herself and her team? Is she invested in the success of others? Does she do anything special such as trainings, workshops, or provide tips found nowhere else?When you have these questions answered, you will be making a better choice for you and starting on a better foot for your business.
You are who you hang around with and the people that you associate with. Same goes with business. Your best-friend or your neighbor may be great people but you probably would never hire them as an employee, much more less as your boss. This is the only business you can choose your “boss,” – and it’s permanent- so choose accordingly 🙂
Not choosing one does not rid you of a Mentor. If you don’t have one, The Nest will choose one for you.
To answer more questions about having a Mentor, go to here: http://www.locketsandcharms.com/what-is-a-mentor-and-how-do-i-choose-one-for-my-origami-owl-independent-designer-business/
