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Teach, Tutor, Coach or Mentor -- What's It Look Like?

Making a commitment to help others helps your business. It's a strategy that supports sales, your professional growth and network. It works because the power of people working as a team, coming together to connect and learn, creates wonderful energy. This week, we saw those benefits and ways you can start mentoring for profits.

But what's it really look like? Some people worry this will be a major time commitment and detract from their time for selling and running a business.

While the time commitment can be as extensive or limited as works for you, it doesn't have to become a burden. When both the mentor and mentee grow, the time is an investment in yourself.

Sometimes you coach or mentor on a group level. More often, you can help on an individual level. Here are some practical views of what your role can look like. How you apply them -- and how much time you dedicate -- is up to you.

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TOP SHELF TIP NO. 88

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

Henry Adams, American journalist, historian, academic and novelist

· Schedule Time. Whether you and your student meet in person, by phone or virtually, make this work a priority. Actually schedule an hour several times a month to talk. You can discuss strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. This commitment takes you to a higher plain in building the relationship.

· Share News. Your value comes in helping another person grow. When you come across valuable information, share it. It's as simple as forwarding an e-mail or appropriate Web link, clipping a magazine article or otherwise connecting a person and new information. It shows you understand what is relevant and that you care.

· Make Introductions. Networking is crucial to your sales process. It also shows your mentee how you model the behaviors you teach. Many organizations let you bring guests so you can include your student. Sometimes, just connecting two people by e-mail lets you bring together two people who can help each other. Expect nothing short term from these introductions, knowing there is a return on your investment.

· Ask Questions. Often, in a coaching situation, you'll know the right solution. Your challenge? Avoid blurting it out. By asking questions, rather than making statements, you can better guide the conversation. This approach helps you teach others how to approach a challenge, so they can resolve it on their own, even while using your genius.

Source: Roger A. Shapiro has been mentoring colleagues, students and clients for years as he built his communications consulting business. He is president/creative director at Mitchell Rose, LLC and the author of Write Right, 26 Tips to Improve Your Writing. Dramatically.