If you don’t already have a mentor, it might be time to get one.
Hi y’all,
Welcome back to Busy Season, your guide to the hot takes, pro tips, and real stories sweeping the events industry.
When you need a trusted advisor in your day to day, who do you turn to? Hopefully this newsletter has been helpful so far (and I’m always open to topic requests), but sometimes you need advice on a specific situation. That’s when mentors come into play.
We could all use a little help sometimes, and that’s what mentors are for. Early on in my career, my mentors helped to bridge the gap in my experience. Now, they provide a listening ear and help me shape my leadership skills.
Working with mentors been crucial in my business success for 3 reasons:
- They encourage reflection and growth: Mentors that keep me grounded and honest push me to reflect on my strengths and areas for improvement, so I can constantly hone my skills.
- They provide a sounding board: By talking me through challenges and decisions, my mentors’ different perspectives have helped me avoid mistakes and think more critically about my choices.
- They help build my confidence and accountability: Mentorship has given me the confidence to take on more responsibility while also holding myself accountable. That’s shaped how I set and stick to my goals, which in turn has pushed me to achieve more.
And it might be stating the obvious, but when looking for a mentor, reach out to folks you consider to be successful and can help you focus on your north star. Don’t simply focus on folks who have societally praised success.
Qualities I’ve found particularly valuable in my mentors include vulnerability and authenticity. I also seek out folks who aren’t afraid to share their own mistakes and have a willingness to learn from others.
Finding a mentor comes down to networking and asking for introductions. There are plenty of industry associations you can use to get your foot in the door. If you’re more comfortable networking online, there are also Facebook groups you can join, like ARA Event Rentals, Party Rental Knowledge Group, or Rental Pro Community.
Whichever path you choose, don’t hesitate to ask for someone’s mentorship. One of the things I love most about the events industry is the sense of community I’ve always found.
And remember their advice isn’t meant to be blindly followed; their purpose as a mentor is to help you see things from new angles. But don’t ever forget how far you’ve grown your own business.
See you next Tuesday,
Mallory Mullen
Goodshuffle
