How to Build Effective Relationships w/ Your

Caroline CummingsVenture Catalystcaroline@oregonrain.org

What is a mentor?

Someone with a skill you desire who is willing to share their time and expertise with you to help you advance personally or professionally.

An experienced and trusted advisor.They don’t get paid – that’s a Professional Coach!

Become a great mentee!1.Clarify 2.Seek 3.Ask 4.Agree5.Thank

Clarify your needs:•Why do you want a mentor?•Do you know what you don’t know?•Get specific• Choose some skills you want to learn• You’ll probably need two mentors• Etc…

What I know: What I don’t know?

Programming Graphic Design Interview Skills PPT Slides …

Making cold calls Digital Marketing Fundraising Public Speaking …

I am in the business of_____________________.

Seek out mentors:• Networking events•Meet-ups• Linkedin (ask for intros)• Ask Friends/Family•Make cold calls (or ask for intro)• Don’t just seek out someone you admire – they must have a specific skillset you need exposure to•Make the intention to find one…

Date Before You Mentor!

MENTORME

Ask them to mentor you:• If you can’t ask – you can’t sell!• Be ready to share what it is about this person that you want to get exposure to• Sometimes the word “mentor” scares people (advise/coach)• Share who you are and what skills you’re missing to be successful•Have they mentored before?

Agree on terms:•How often?•What term?•Rules of engagement?•What if scenarios• Types of things they’ll ask you to do?•What success looks like in the relationship?• Etc…

Dos and Don’ts of Being an Awesome MenteeDO: Be honest Communicate Be assertive Be creative Do the work!

DON’T: Ask to sign NDAs Disappear or flake out Hold back/Withhold info Stay if it’s not working Ask for money!

Do the homework!• Set-up an informational interview• Write a one-page plan• Write a pro/con list• Interview a CEO…• Find a non-profit to support• Research a topic• Read a book• Join a networking group• Find another mentor• …

Thank your mentor(s):

Where/How I will seek out mentors…

#1:__________________________________

#2:__________________________________

#3:__________________________________

Comfort Zone = A type of mental conditioning that causes a person to create and operate mental boundaries

Fear

ComfortZone# 5 Deep Water

# 4 Financial Problems

# 3 Insects and Bugs

# 2 Heights

# 1 Public speaking

ComfortZone

PublicSpeaking

MakingColdCalls

PitchingMedia

AskingFor a Raise

A Healthy Dose of Anxiety

Anxiety can improve performance…

…but, if you step beyond your optimum performance zone…

How to do it?

Unleash Your Inner Hero

I way I’m going to step outside of my comfort zone is…

Go Find Your

Caroline CummingsVenture Catalystcaroline@oregonrain.org