Comments on: 6 Tips to Keep a Mentor

By: This and That: Links to Other Articles Of Interest « Florida Writers Association Blog

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:23:52 +0000

[...] 6 Tips to Keep a Mentor — Writing is a solitary act. Getting better at it and getting published requires help. In this blog post, Monica O’Brien gives you suggestions about how to get and keep a mentor. For unpublished authors like me, the sage advice of a seasoned veteran would be a wonderful guide. (I’ll even pick up your dry cleaning and get you a Coke.) [...]

By: How to Find and Keep a Mentor « The Search Firm Insider

How to Find and Keep a Mentor « The Search Firm Insider — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:05:05 +0000

[...] who could help you out, in person? Well Monica O’Brien wrote a great post a few months back about how to keep a mentor. Here are 3 of those [...]

By: Linda Snyder

Linda Snyder — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:27:42 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, when I was pretty young, a local leader in his field offered to mentor me. I’d just graduated with a masters degree and was taking a job that turned out to be more difficult than I’d anticipated, because of personalities involved.

I was stepping into a position that had been created and staffed by someone who then got promoted, and who would now be my boss. She had a great deal of investment in how my job “should” be done, and we didn’t work well together as a result.

Because I was young, I didn’t have a sense of how I could use the potential mentor’s help…. I didn’t want to “bother” him. I didn’t recognize that just sitting down and bouncing ideas off him would have been valuable for both of us.

Oh well, one lives and learns!

By: yinka olaito

yinka olaito — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:50:51 +0000

Nothing hurts like ignoring a merntor’s advice. One will always look like a time vampires. if you do not believe in anyone do not choose them as mentors

By: Nurall (nuralldotcom) 's status on Thursday, 30-Jul-09 18:39:48 UTC - Identi.ca

Nurall (nuralldotcom) 's status on Thursday, 30-Jul-09 18:39:48 UTC - Identi.ca — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:39:59 +0000

[...] http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/6-tips-to-keep-a-mentor/ [...]

By: Mary H Ruth

Mary H Ruth — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:58:08 +0000

Monica, I think this is a marvelously forthright post. How best to approach those you consider your superiors is really a simple lesson in manners and deference to your ‘elders.’ But lotsa folk lack basic manners, and I love how your post gently lays out the rules.
I’m not sure I understand exactly what you mean by “Friendships develop naturally out of common interests and fun; mentor relationships develop professionally.” More on that?

By: Johnny Ray

Johnny Ray — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:43:04 +0000

This is very timely as I have recent obtained a very top writer as a mentor. thank you very much for this.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:26 +0000

Reporting back on actions taken from their advice is a good idea. While, I agree that you also need to be mindful of time, I think sending a quick update to say you’ve taken an action and benefitted (perhaps), is a complement to that person. It also shows that you’ve valued the mentor’s time and expertise.

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:37:27 +0000

Good tips, but I wonder if there’s a middle ground? I often take calls from people wanting to get into the biz. I have no problem with spending 10-20 minutes on the phone with them. I wish them well, but stop short of becoming a “mentor,” which to me implies a long term relationship.