The Importance of Mentoring Relationships in the Marketing Field

A mentoring relationship is exactly what it sounds like: a structured relationship where the mentee benefits by getting advice and instruction from a seasoned professional. Considering many marketing degrees are still teaching practices from the 60’s, students and young professionals can learn a lot from others who have intimate knowledge and experience in the industry. There aren’t many other opportunities that compare to having an experienced mentor by your side.

By acquiring a mentor, you'll be tapping into the existing skills, knowledge and experience from a seasoned professional. As a result, students and young professionals can dive into the marketing field without fear. 

Below are the benefits of finding a mentor and how to make the most of your relationship.

Benefits of a Mentor/Mentee Relationship

Expanding your Network

Mentoring relationships expand your network by introducing you to other professionals in the industry. Networking is crucial to your success, and getting introduced when you’re in the early stages in your career will help you rise above the competition.

Helpful Advice   

When in a mentoring relationship, you have the unique opportunity to ask tons of questions and get priceless advice. A mentor will also be able to give you more pertinent advice than when you simply reach out to a friend. 

Improve Key Skills

Unlike a relationship with consultants whose attention is more on the business venture, mentoring relationships help you develop critical business skills. Besides tips for becoming a better marketer, a mentor will help you build soft skills—like working well within a team setting, or ancillary skills—like budget tracking, to help you become a more competitive candidate.

Learn new Methods and Strategies

Mentoring relationships help prepare you for real-world problems. Under the tutelage of a seasoned professional, they can give you insider information to help you better navigate the marketing world. While a degree in marketing can give you a firm understanding of the basics of marketing, having a mentor will help you navigate real life scenarios, and provide you with the tools to do so.

Increase Confidence 

When a mentor imparts their wisdom on you, you will be able to take that knowledge into future scenarios, making you a more confident marketer. Having experience with real scenarios will help you better make decisions when you’re on your own.

Build a Thriving Mentoring Relationship

Mentoring is a unique relationship where both the mentor and the student benefit. Mentors benefit through collaborative learning and improve their own skills as they help you do the same.

While some mentorships are lifelong, others are short, but the opportunity gives you the resources and consistency you need to excel in your career. Below are four tips to help build a thriving mentoring relationship.

Define Your Goals

Many students or recent graduates look for mentoring relationships to help them break into the industry. A mentor provides support and guides you toward your goals, so it’s important to have clear goals before you begin looking for a mentor.

Understand Your Mentor

After choosing a mentor, take time to get to know them on both a personal and professional basis. It will help you figure out how they can specifically assist you and what their preferred communication methods are. 

Keep in Touch Often

An effective mentoring relationship grows with regular contact and effort from both sides. Determine what the best methods of communication are early to keep conversation flowing. Getting in touch via phone, virtual meeting, or in-person goes a long way in cementing a mentoring relationship.

Be Prepared

Being proactive, ambitious and eager will help you stand out. Remember that no task is below you, and there’s a reason why your mentor is asking you to do something. Don’t take their time and energy for granted, and you could have a lifelong mentor and even friend.

Whether creating or enhancing your marketing strategies, the Sunday Brunch team is ready to help you. Sunday Brunch founder and CEO, Rachel Svoboda, is a seasoned mentoring professional, helping marketing majors (and small businesses) understand the craft through mentoring. Contact us today and follow us on social media for helpful marketing tips.