Some mentors!!

[homemommichele]

I hope I don't get told on if anyone knows me, but I get so frustrated at my mentor sometimes!! This is supposed to be My biz, but she is such the micro manager! If I don't make it to a meeting call she calls and lectures me. I have tried to get out of the one training call as I don't like to just basically sit and be told that I am not doing enough, I'd rather be out trying to do it!! Also the call is in the mid afternoon and I want to be out with my kids when I want, I want to make my own schedule!! Now I have to Call or e-mail when I can't be there, I thought I gave that up!!

She is a wonderful person and she shares what she knows. She advertises in pricey magazines etc and I cannot. She always says to "go to your warm market or buy leads" which I have found to be a tremendous waste of time and money!! I have had to find other ways to network and market which she doesn't do. Any suggestions?

[DeeKVee]

Michele,

You say in your post that she is wonderful - maybe you could talk to her and gently explain that you would like to build your business your way; that you want to try some different networking ideas, that maybe they haven't tried before in her group.

Since you are on the MomsNetwork site - I have to mention that our sites offer some incredible ways to get the word out about your business and the people actually request information from you - and the prices are very compe***ive. It can be quite costly to buy individual leads from places, and you don't know what these leads have been told. When you do your own advertising, you have far more control over the process.

I'd love to chat with you about this - contact me and we can talk! I promise - no pressure - just want to share some fresh advertising ideas with you - so you can build your business on your terms! :-)

My Best,

[daedaltoo]

Michele~

It sounds like you have a lot of respect for your mentor -just differing methods of how to achieve success. Sometimes, that Type-A personality
that draws you in may have a tendency to make you a tad crazy.

Since you do have respect for her and value her input, perhaps you need to really voice that to her. Let her know that while you aspire to achieve the same success that she has, your personal circumstances -like spending time with your kids- dictates that you need to approach it in a different way.
I am sure if she realizes your committment- and I know you're committed, then she can only respond with mutual respect.

Wishing you much success and many blessings~

Cathy Taylor

[homemommichele]

Thank you for your suggestions!! Donna I would love to talk with you about advertising and marketing ideas!! You can e-mail me or pm and we'll get together!!

Michele

[momsnet]

Totally my opinion here.... This is someone that is NOT being or acting like a mentor. This is someone that is more interested in having control over the people she has sponsored, and making sure that YOU are making HER succeed. A mentor should truly be interested in what YOUR goals are, what YOU want to do with your business, what YOUR timeframe and interest level is. It is fine for a mentor to show you and tell you what you need to become successful (such as being involved with calls etc.), but your sponsor should not REQUIRE you to do anything. They are not your boss... they are to be here to support you and encourage you NOT tell you where you have to be and when. You are only accountable to you, not your sponsor.

You need to have a heart to heart with her.

FYI - the dictionary definition of a mentor: To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher, especially in occupational settings.

[daedaltoo]

I'm clapping!! That was very well put.

Cathy

[Watkinslady]

Very well said Cyndi for sure. I was going to post something very similar to what you said but you have it all right there.

A mentor should not be telling you what to do but trying to help you succeed in whatever way is most comfortable and best for you. I think my downline might say I am too lax with them because I never order them to do anything. I leave it all up to them BUT I am here to help them when they need help. I send them ideas on how to do things but don't tell them what to do. There is a huge difference here. I have to say most of them are successful also.

I agree, I think you need to have that heart to heart talk with your mentor. I am sure she will understand. Good luck to you.

[Beanie]

have a talk with her, if she does not understand, and gets more upset with you, then fine, go to her upline, and request a new leader, teacher, mentor, friend. just becuase one in the group is a pain in the butt, does not mean the entire upline is that way. and you are probably not the only one that thinks so. speaking up is only going to grow your business and increase your self confidence.

Beanie :-)

[MommyofOne]

I agree with what everyone has already said.I think having a talk with her to let her know what YOU want to do..after all it is your business and you should be able to work when and how you want to.Good Luck!

[rwhitenhcd@bex.net]

Have you told your mentor that certain hours in the day or unconvient for you? Let her know what your hours are at home and tell her that her telling you all the time what you are not doing right instead of telling you what you are doing right is just tearing you down.

Is this a mentor that you pay or a mentor that is like an upline?

[IndigoBlue68]

Everyone's advise is right on. It is so important to talk to your mentor/sponsor. When I started my business, I flat out told my sponsor that I won't be able to attend the meetings regurarely but will try to "plug into" the conference calls. I have two kids, both under 6 years old, so I'm busy as it is! And I don't have a problem going above her if I have a question or concern and she's not available.

There are so many ways you can market your business without constantly pushing your warm market (esp if you've already done it) and buying leads. I personally don't buy leads. They're expensive and I prefer finding people on my own instead of paying for a chance, you know? I've done small ads in a local paper, online advertising (lots of free sites), flyers, business cards and word of mouth.

I don't know what line you sell, but if you ever want to chat, you can PM me.

[valg]

Much good advice has already been posted.

Some people's warm markets are just well, ice cold! Sounds like you've got alot of ambition and are a go-getter. Stick to your instincts, you know your circumstances better than anyone else.

[MichelleB]

I agree. Going with your gut is the best decision you can make

[topmentor]

Everything can work, just needs to be done consistently. I will say that warm market still works best... you just have to know how to invite the correct way. :)