What Role Does Mentoring Play in Your Networking?

By Terry Bean
Social Networking Editor

How did you learn how to network? Who helped you figure out which social networking websites are worth your time? Do you ever see someone committing networking "sins" and guide them to a better networking future?

It is said that “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”.

Networking comes very naturally to some. Others find it the most challenging portion of their business development activities. Let’s not overlook all of the flavors in between. The same phenomena exist in the online networking world too.

The better we all get at networking, the better all of our networking will be.

I recently sat in a referral marketing class as a student. It was interesting to be on the opposite side of the teacher/student relationship. I have been formally teaching networking skills for nine years. This was the first class I had taken on the subject in seven. I was there and open to learning some new things. Guess what? I actually learned.

I think for many of us it is harder to be the mentee as opposed to the mentor, especially once we have achieved some success. Have you ever met someone from whom you couldn’t learn anything new? (The correct answer is no).

If you are a face to face networking expert, please offer to help those who aren’t as good. Maybe setup a quick class, write a blog post or do some one on one time. We always talk about “givers gain”, this is but one more opportunity for you to give.

For those folks who spend most of their networking time online, this may be a great chance for you to connect more locally. Additionally, this may be a great way for you to share your online expertise with someone who will make good use of it.

As I look back at the evolution of my networking career there are several people I would like to thank. Fortunately, I am nice so I shall save you a lot of time and cull the list drastically. From a face to face perspective, Frank Agin of www.amspirit.com In Columbus, Ohio had the biggest impact on me. Thank you, Frank. On the online front, Vincent Wright has helped me see the path. Thank you, Vincent. It is because of the knowledge I have gained from these two men that I get to thank the 1900+ members of www.motorcityconnect.com. Thank you all.

So, I want to know, hopefully, we all want to know. Who shows you the path AND to whom are you showing it? This is your chance to help all of our networking efforts.
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What Role Does Mentoring Play in Your Networking?