How can you develop a mentorship relationship with someone from a different background in Product Marketing?

For me I’ve found “learning from the outside in” one of the most valuable reflective self-learning tools one can find. It doesn’t need to be someone from the same org, industry or background. Listening and learning from others whether they are from a small startup or a huge multinational - sharing one another’s challenges and experiences let’s you see angles that you may never has considered before, or it can help you gain clarity of thought.

Mentors from outside of your specific industry are well suited to share key best practices and processes that may provide a completely new perspective/approach to your challenges. Their objectivity can prove especially useful if you are new in your role or are looking to breathe new life into existing approaches. Doing research in a variety of venues is also important--check Ted Talks, in person events, and even YouTube or Instagram for inspiration and new contacts.

One thing I've found is it can be intimidating to ask a senior leader for help and mentorship. So take a deep breath and use these steps to find a mentor and form a professional friendship. Identify potential mentors, by asking: >Has this person shown an interest in me and my career? >Has he/she/they shared professional knowledge in a supportive way? >Does this person have the right knowledge/experience to help me on my career path? Then, fine-tune the ask – is it: >Coaching? >Guidance on career pathing? >Advice on promotion opportunities? >Leadership training? Clarifying this will help, for ex: if you’re stepping into a stretch role (metaphorical deep-end), ensuring you have the right someone who has your back (metaphorical life vest).

Building a mentorship relationship with someone from a diverse background in Product Marketing requires openness to new perspectives and active listening for reciprocal learning. Practical Tip: Schedule regular, structured discussions that focus on shared challenges in Product Marketing, enabling both parties to offer unique insights and solutions based on their varied experiences.

Cultivating a mentorship with someone from a diverse background in Product Marketing is tremendously valuable. Approach potential mentors with a genuine eagerness to learn. Research those whose experiences align with your goals. Convey your desire to expand horizons and embrace their perspective. Display active listening and openness to different viewpoints. Remember mentorship is mutual learning. Maintain respectful communication, clear goals and encourage feedback. This has great potential for substantial growth. I welcome more discussion on building productive mentorships across diverse backgrounds, inviting insights and experiences.

Your personal brand and story can make all the difference when inviting a potential mentor in. Be sure to include stories and personal brand artifacts that make it easier for the potential mentor to learn more about you, your needs and overall mission—and how they can positively contribute to these

The Chartered Institute of Marketing's Mentoring scheme is an excellent way to connect with potential mentees who are able and willing to mentor in various matched areas. Your challenge may be a leadership one, not just related to your professional practice, and builds toward continuous professional development, for marketers looking to build towards and maintain Chartered Marketer status.

When reaching out to someone, it's important to avoid jumping straight to asking for a 15-minute conversation. Instead, start by following their content on LinkedIn and leaving insightful comments. After a few interactions, you can then request to connect. If you are already part of a mutual interest group and have a strong personal brand, it can make the request more effective. Remember, building a relationship takes time and effort.

I would suggest first building a relationship; it can start with a coffee and some questions you are curious to learn more. Just because this person is relevant in a specific industry is not necessarily the right mentor for you.

Something important to always include is your ask! Asking for mentorship is often too ambiguous for mentors to interested or helpful. Make sure that your ask to connect is specific to the person you're reaching out to and there's a clearly defined objective of your first meeting.

Your mentor is most likely very busy, and you need to demonstrate that you respect their time. To ensure both of you make the best use of time, send an agenda and manage expectations from the beginning. If there is something you want them to review or prep ahead of time - be clear about that. If you just want to use the time to ask questions, let them know that too. At the end of the meeting, ask them if there is anything you can do to support them and their goals. Remember, like any relationship, it's a two way street.

Arrive on time and be fully prepared. Share your knowledge generously. Listen attentively and ask insightful questions. Remember that time is the most precious gift someone can give you. Make every moment count and leave a positive impact.

Mentorship is a two way street! Find ways to add value to the person you're reaching out to. Yes, it is important to have common interests and be able to connect, but the mentees that stand out in mentor's minds are the ones that help add value to their lives. It doesn't have to be anything major. It can be as simple as offering to open your network, pulling some articles that are relevant to your conversation as a follow-up, or doing some light research for them.

Please do your research about the mentor. Talking about their accomplishments with regards to the skills you seek to build is VERY important and maintains their interest. Not many want to be a random substitute teacher because it is not mutually beneficial, so do not make them feel that way.

The best mentor/mentee relationships have very clear goals for the relationship. This ensures 1) the mentee feels like they leveled up during the time and 2) the mentor can prepare any materials or coaching items needed to effectively supporting the mentee. Personally, I use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework to set goals that are well-defined and actionable. For ex: if you're my mentee and your goal is to improve your product positioning skills and be able to create compelling product messaging, we'll collaborate on a timeframe to see improvement, choose an upcoming project or make up a scenario, and then set a clear outcome to work towards. It's rewarding for all to see measurable growth.

Rather than having expectations, it is more productive to use the term "agreement." It is important to establish a common understanding of what both parties agree on and what is expected to come out of these meetings. The key is to build mutual trust and respect with one another. Use advising as opposed to managing, and remember that the responsibility for growth lies in the mentee's hands. “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” - John C. Crosby

"I am really impressed with how you ______"and I would love insight on how I can be come more apt at it. May I lean on your expertise to __________________?" Frame your interest. Most professionals are on schedule and if you seem aimless, they will not fit you into it or limit you to a slot that will get you nowhere.

In my experience, the most fulfilling mentor relationships were ones where I listened to advice from my mentor, but never stop asking “why”. Creating conversations (or even debates) is how I reached breakthroughs. It can lead to massive professional growth.

Mentor conversations don't always have to be formal 30 minute calls/meetings. Figure out how to micro-engage mentors as well! Something simple like a quick text, email, or messenger pigeon (jk...unless your mentor is into this) asking for feedback/advice can go a long way to building a relationship!

Mentors can be a valuable source of support and advice, but they cannot solve problems for you. The most significant benefit of having a mentor is gaining a different perspective. A mentor can provide feedback, serve as a sounding board, and identify resources that may be helpful to you. They can help you put situations into perspective and offer guidance, but ultimately, you are responsible for solving your own problems.

Continued interest is great - show it! Emails work as long as they are interested too. Make sure you recognize, though, when they are no longer interested.

Giving back involves more than just words; it requires action. Offer your support and assistance when appropriate. Just as your mentor has generously dedicated their time to your development, reciprocate by helping with projects, providing valuable insights, or offering referrals from your network. This strengthens the partnership and underscores your commitment to mutual growth and success.

Make a point to send the ladder down. Once you've had the benefit of mentorship and gained valuable skills and insights - pass on the favor. This not only makes a positive impact on someone else's life but also resonates with the approach of many respected leaders. Some folks I've talked to have voiced their reluctance to mentor individuals who only seem interested in taking without giving back. Share experiences, offer genuine advice, and, most importantly, assist others in their journey toward success.

Sometimes you and a mentor just won't click. That's okay! Think of finding a mentor as dating. You'll meet a lot of people, some will be great fits, and others won't. At the end of the day, you'll know when it's a good fit!

Regular check-ins and feedback mechanisms ensure ongoing communication and improvement. Consider cultural sensitivity training and celebrate the strengths that diversity brings. By being flexible, patient, and demonstrating a genuine interest in each other's experiences, a mentorship across diverse backgrounds can flourish, providing valuable insights for both mentor and mentee

To connect with a mentor from a diverse background in product marketing, attend industry events, leverage professional platforms like LinkedIn, seek referrals, participate in diversity-focused gatherings, and express specific reasons for seeking their mentorship, showcasing the value you bring to the relationship.

Joining a community and serving as a mentor to others can bring about many benefits. As a mentor, you can develop your leadership skills, gain exposure to new perspectives, expand your network, reinforce your own knowledge, leave a positive legacy, and achieve professional growth. Ultimately, mentorship is a mutually rewarding relationship that enriches both the mentor and the mentee.