Where oh where can the salespeople be ,oh where oh where could they be?

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Where are they,how can you attract ones that are committed, that will stick,that can be developed,trainable, passionate.Salespeople that can and will help your business grow.Let's discuss plans,the tail not wagging the dog.What resourses can we use?
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The Power of Mentors

by Mike Phillips

Sep 22, 2010

     Tonight I did a Blog Talk Radio show on the power of mentoring.  We talked about what benefits there are in the mentor/student relationship for both parties.  During the discussion we also spoke about one key overlooked benefit of having a mentor - ACCOUNTABILITY!  Who are some of your mentors, what benefits did they afford you and did you give them in return?  How did the people that you chose to have mentor you hold you accountable to make you grow?
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    Mike Phillips

    Wow! All great responses! Specifically in response to Nancy, "How do you know your when your mentor is your mentor? Should the mentor be chosen by the menotor or the mentee?" From past mentor/student relationships (I don't know if mentee is a word either... lol), I think either party can "choose" one another.

    In cases where a mentor is choosing a student, one great way is to bring it to the forefront that the mentor sees potential for growth in the student. A simple statement over a cup of coffee such as, "Nancy, you are doing a really great job on _____, I really see you having a huge opportunity for growth there and I would like to help you get to the next level." Then, "Here are some ideas..." In a direction like this, the mentor must have a pre-determined outline and plan for the direction of the relationship. Actually spend time ahead of time to create an outline for that person, the future student growth.

    In cases where the student is making the choice and approaching someone that they see has some value to add to their personal growth, I would say have a similar conversation. "Nancy, I know that you are always very strong in the areas of _____, _____, and _____. If it's not asking too much, with so much talent in those areas, would you mind spending some time coaching with me to improve there. Maybe once or twice a week?"

    In either of those instances the people involved approach one another with definition of purpose, and a desire to grow someone else, or learn for themselves. I wouldn't assume however that in those two examples, is the only time that mentorship takes place. Often, like Jim said, it just happens and as Tobias said, take something from everyone that you come in contact with. Always try to give something to everyone in return. The growth will be unbelievable!!

    Craig Lockerd said:
    I can only relate this from past experience with looking for a Mentor [Sponsor] in another "club" I belong to and in that club I was told to pick somebody with vast experience that had been doing I wanted to do for a very long time successfully and then ask and perhaps even "sell" myself to that person on why I could and would be a good canidate for him to take on.....provided, he had the time to do so.I looked around, listened,watched and approached several before 1 agreed.Had it not been for him I very litterally would not be where I am today.Down side to picking people with vast experiences, meant they were typically much older and so I have been through 5 in 17 years.....lol
    Hope that answers it for you?

    NANCY SIMMONS said:
    Great answers, but I guess I am asking about Mentorship Etiquette....Craig, you know what I am talking about here... Is it proper to just choose a mentor, or should you really have a discussion with someone you respect and look up to, and ask them if they would mind being a mentor to you, because they should have the opportunity to say they do not feel it is a good fit for them right now?

    Craig Lockerd said:
    By definition....This is the source of the modern use of the word mentor: a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Some professions have "mentoring programs" in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people, who advise them and serve as examples as they advance. Schools sometimes offer mentoring programs to new students, or students having difficulties.

    Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship


    Jim Washam said:
    NancI, I will back off from being your mentor lol. Mentorship kind of just happens. I am under the belief that the mentor is chosen by the mentee or demented....it could go either way. I have several mentors, some know about it and some don't. Like a stalker only without the restraining order. My first mentor called me a few times a week to talk about what I was doing, where it was going, was I working the plan. He got a copy of the financial statement so he knew if I was BSing or not. Its a great thing...mentorship.

    NANCY SIMMONS said:
    How do you know your when your mentor is your mentor? Should the mentor be chosen by the menotor or the mentee? (is that a word?) Should your mentor ever be appointed to you? (Like a pre-arranged marriage)... Recently I chose someone to be my mentor and now I am not sure if that was the proper thing to do.... Help!!!!

    Sep 24, 2010

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      Joe Brunner

      My basketball Coach Clyde Adams; may he rest in peace, was the first person who ever told me that I could be better than I was. He told me what to do, showed me how, and checked on me everyday to make sure I was doing it. I will never forget him for that. It has been thirty years and I still think about him first when this type of a question comes up. Thanks for jogging my memory Mike.

      Sep 29, 2010

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        Ernie Kasprowicz

        This is an excellent topic and one which confounds me in regard to the automotive industry.  In most every other profession their is an apprentice program, an internship, a mentoring of the up and coming.  Shouldn't this type of program be available for career minded people to take advantage of in the automotive industry?  Who should provide it, the individual dealership, local dealer associations or through N.A.D.A.?  

        Dec 12, 2012