3 Keys To Getting The Most Out Of Mentorship

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:14:17 GMT

Who do you look up to? Whose social posts do you always engage with...

3 Keys To Getting The Most Out Of Mentorship

Today, we’re diving into mentorship.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

You don’t need just one mentor – you need many, all at once.

Ask yourself: Who do you look up to? Whose social posts do you always engage with because they’re insightful and resonate with you? Reach out to that person and say, “I’d love to have your insight on X issue. If you can carve out 15-20 minutes of your time for me, I’d love to pick your brain about it.”

Early in my career, I read countless articles on how to ask for a mentor, but they often made it too complicated. Just ask for help with a specific issue, and the mentorship will develop naturally – no official agreement needed.

“Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” – Peter Drucker

If you’ve ever worked with or for me, you’ve heard me say this often enough that it’s likely eyeroll inducing. As an exercise, I encourage you to pause and write down three things you excel at and three things you don’t.

If you already know your weaknesses, this is a great topic to discuss with a new mentor. Ask them for specific strategies to address your blind spots, and if you’re in a leadership role, consider delegating these tasks. Their guidance can help you develop targeted action steps to overcome challenges and become a more effective professional.

And if you still feel like it’s a weakness? There is power in realizing it’s okay not to be the best at everything. Recognize who is the best at that weakness and ask for their help if you’re a colleague. If you’re in a position to, delegate that task, so that you can focus on the things you excel at.

If you’re unsure what your weaknesses are (and trust me, I get it – my husband thinks I’m flawless!), this is another great question for a mentor. Ask someone who has worked with you long enough to help define your biggest opportunities for growth. Resist the urge to get defensive and embrace their feedback as an opportunity for improvement. A good mentor will see strengths and weaknesses that you might not recognize in yourself.

“The best leaders are lifelong learners.” – John Wooden

Your mentors don’t always have to be people you know or are matched with in a program. I’ve taken away valuable perspectives from many a sales, marketing or general business book. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I encourage anyone starting in business to do the same.

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Your industry may be unique, but it’s not that unique, and by that, I mean – there are plenty of other people in other industries facing the same challenges you are that have overcome them and thrived. While I wouldn’t call books my mentors, I would certainly say they’ve provided mentorship, as have conferences, educational events and meet-ups with colleagues in similar positions as myself in the industry.

From Phrases To Actions

The key to a successful mentorship is not just asking the right questions but acting on the answers.

The above quotes are three of the phrases that have stuck with me throughout my career, helping me navigate new challenges and opportunities. Start seeking out mentors and applying these questions today. You’ll be amazed at how your mentors and mentorship can transform your trajectory.

And if you ever feel too “busy” to take that first step, remember that being busy shouldn’t be a badge of honor or an excuse. Prioritizing mentorship and learning will ultimately help you gain more control over your time and career.

Original Article by Brittany Frase: VP of Sales, HIRSCH
Unedited version: https://www.ppai.org/media-hub/brittany-frase-3-keys-to-getting-the-most-out-of-mentorship/

6 Ways To Speak With Charisma And Leave A Lasting Impression

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:24:23 GMT

People buy from those they feel comfortable with and trust.

People buy from those they feel comfortable with and trust. That’s why charisma is such an important skill for sales reps.

When you’re charismatic, you practically radiate enthusiasm, drawing people in and showing them you’re the promo pro who can get them the results they’re after. How can you unlock your inner charisma? Gary Genard, who specializes in helping professionals speak with confidence, recommends doing 6 simple things .

1. Actively look at your audience. This means letting your gaze linger for a half-second or second on each individual in the meeting. Genard advises against “flicking” your eyes at your listeners as this isn’t real eye contact. There’s no behavior more fundamental to persuasion than looking at the person you’re addressing, he says.

 2. Smile. Not only does this show you enjoy what you’re doing, but it helps you establish trust with your audience. If smiling seems inappropriate, Genard says you can take 1 of 2 alternate paths. The first is to “open” your countenance by assuming a pleasant expression. The second is to raise your cheekbones by visualizing your cheek areas rising slightly. It may not physically happen, but the result will be a positive change in your facial expression.

3. Tell personal, relatable stories. When you think about it, important information tends to sound formal instead of relatable. You can change this by telling a story about yourself. Genard says this shows listeners that you have skin in the game. When you talk about promo, it’s truly part of your life experience.

4. Speak to one person at a time. There may be several people at the table or on the video call, but only speak to one at a time — literally and figuratively. Genard recommends looking at one person and speaking to him or her for the duration of a phrase or idea. Then, shift to another single person.

5. Speak with energy. If you tend to talk softly or slowly, try to energize your voice to reach every listener. You want your enthusiasm to show in how you’re speaking. Keep in mind, Genard says, that the larger the room or group, the more you may need to project your voice.

6. Have some fun. Think about how you feel at the other end of a presentation. Do you feel comfortable listening to someone who is self-conscious or hesitant? Genard says people pay attention to those who speak with verve. They instinctively feel the person has something valuable to say.

Whether you’re building rapport with a new lead, giving a sales pitch or overcoming objections, displaying charisma can help you build trust, capture attention and create engagement. Try some of the ideas above, like telling relatable stories and making a point to address everyone individually, to boost your charisma as a pro.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

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3 Keys To Getting The Most Out Of Mentorship

Who do you look up to? Whose social posts do you always engage with...

6 Ways To Speak With Charisma And Leave A Lasting Impression

People buy from those they feel comfortable with and trust.