Profit Tip of the Week--The Absolute Best Way to Improve Your Design Skills & Business"
June 9, 2009
What's the best way to improve your design skills? How about improving your business or your marketing savvy?
I get asked this a lot and my answer has nothing to do with going back to school for a degree or reading a stack of marketing books. Here it is…
Find a mentor.
I've learned more from other professionals than I ever learned in college, or by reading extensively.
In a previous Profit Tip, I talked about how Tim Thoelecke played a mentor role early on in my career and what a huge impact it had. I worked for a large landscape design/build company at the time, and having Tim available brought a fresh perspective that I couldn't get from within the company, or even within my geographical area.
---------Do you need a fresh perspective?---------
I now work alone, as do many of you. I understand how isolating this can be and how doubt can creep into your practice every day. Am I doing the right things? Am I a good designer? Do my clients care about me? These are questions we ask ourselves.
Having a mentor gives you the opportunity to learn from other successful professionals that have been in your same position. I can think of no better way to build your skills and advance your career than having a mentor. The positive energy you get from being around these successful people is undeniable and invigorating.
---------How do you find a mentor?---------
The cost of emailing or calling someone you want to learn from is virtually zero. What's the worst that can happen? They will say “no” or they just ignore you…big deal. This has happened to me on multiple occasions. I once had a gentleman tell me- “I don't have time for you. Go to Europe.” Thanks for the excellent advice…
Not everyone will be open to sharing, but most will if they sense you are eager and genuine about learning from them. What many people fail to understand is just how willing most of these people are to lend a hand. They know what it's like to be where you are. That you've even contacted them is impressive and separates you from the majority of people.
I encourage you to maintain a list of professionals whom you respect and would like to learn from. I would start locally and then cast a wider net. The relationship could consist of 1 or 2 emails every 6 months or a scheduled monthly phone call. Let the relationship develop naturally, and on the mentor's terms, not yours.
Make your list and call the first person on it within the next 7 days. Do NOT put it off! Get started today!
All the best,
Chris Heiler, Editor
Visit my blog- http://www.fountainheadgardens.com/blog
Try a full subscription to LandscapeLeadership for $1
|
