Episode Details

Today, I will highlight two examples to approaching someone you may want as a mentor, or from whom you would just like a little advice. Why does this matter? Because as you go through life, you will find, from time to time, that you wish to learn or try new things, -- or that you may start a business or side hustle -- and a great way to avoid mistakes that are obvious to someone with experience, but not obvious to you, is to hold an interview, go to a demo, become an intern, or find a mentor.

And in the last few weeks, I have been approached by two people with very different approaches and they got very different reactions from me. It made me think - let's look at the two approaches and learn from that.

Announcements

• I will be out of town at Jack Spirko's Spring workshop giving a presentation on building community so the next two episodes this week will be replays and I have chosen some good ones.
• Tales from the Prepper Pantry
  • We preserved too much food last year
  • Cool Canning opener from a 3d printer arrived, will test it when I get back
  • Sweet potatoes are coming to an end -- starting slips
  • Starting to come to the end of last year's pork

  Operation Independence

  • Outdoor kitchen 2.0 plans are underway

Main content of the show: Approaching a Mentor

There is nothing that will give a person pause as when someone asks to be mentored. That is a pretty big ask. Almost as big as getting married. Just kidding. It't not that big. But being a good mentor takes time, thought and follow-through.

Over my life, I have asked three people if they would mentor me. Two of the three did a horrible job. But I have been mentored by many many along the way -- and gotten a hand up and helpful advice from hundreds more.

A few weeks ago, I got two emails. Neither were asking for me to mentor them, but they were both seeking direction. Bth were about the coffee roasting business. Both got responses from me. One I was not only willing, but eager to help. The other quickly transitioned into an uncomfortable conversation that was taking scarce time. The former landed a call with me, the latter has disappeared into the ether.

The other day I told some folks about these two interactions, including the email I penned but did not send that said, "It doesn't seem like you are very interested in pursuing this." I was pretty grumpy that day and may have been missing some tone from the former email.

Person A, Email 1

• Made a connection to why they wanted to talk with me (community)
• Asked the question up front
• Gave background

Person B

• Started with the back story about them
• Made no personal connection
• Offered to be an unpaid intern
• ...I wasn't sure they knew much about coffee really

SECOND ROUND

Person A

• Scheduled call -- attended call -- had great questions
• Was cognizant of the time and did not try to linger

(She was already dedicated to the path)

Person B

• Replied to my suggestions with explanations of what they had tried and failed
• Ignor