Who Is/Was YOUR Mentor or Role Model?
Way back In the 70’s & 80’s I was as a national speaker to the multi-housing (apartment industry). I spoke and trained on a variety of topics that apartment managers, assistant managers, leasing agents, etc. needed to hear on sales, marketing and hiring. I would provide these seminars and workshops for individual companies and organizations (Apartment Associations, apartment conventions (locally, nationally, etc.) all for a fee). Sometimes on my own or in tandem with 1 or several of my fellow national speakers.
I loved having a microphone in my hand and a group in front of me that I was hired to educate, motivate and (yes) entertain! I believed that if an audience is laughing, they are definitely listening.
When I first started in the apartment business as a leasing agent at Creekside Apartments in Orlando, FL, I absolutely hated the business and was convinced it just was not for me! Luckily, there were two brothers (Jim & John Duffy) who were equally convinced that it WAS meant for me. I tried to resign several times and they just would not accept my resignation.
Imagine being a nationally sought-after speaker (for a fee) for an industry that you were convinced that you were not supposed to be in.
I have had many, many mentors and role models since, but will never forget what the two brothers did for me.
So, who was/is your mentor?
If you don’t have one, social media gives us a excellent change to connect with a world of talented and knowledgeable people.
If you haven’t connected with them lately, send them a hand-written note (“old school”, I know) and just say “Thanks!”
Consider mentoring someone yourself.
Offer to share your business lessons learned and experiences with someone who could be empowered by that information.
There is a very special relationship between a mentor and a prodigy.
It’s time to let you get started on this very special issues.
Success to you,
Steve Levine
