On The Scene With Crystal Chanel
A few years back, I made it a point to make time for the people I love, cherish and value. I noticed that I, like the rest of America, was overly consumed with the hustle and bustle of life. I was making time for work, work projects, work lunches, work meetings but very little time for family and friends. Luckily, my friend and mentor, Suzzette Turnbull, felt the same way and our quarterly lunches were born.
In bragging about my mentor, I am always eager to tell people that Suzzette Turnbull is the owner of Uncommon Marketing, an established social media marketing & training firm that brings 20 plus years of business and industry authority. Most recently Turnbull was recognized with the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award and named one of the 100 Most Successful Women in Business. She is a transformational leader and highly sought-after voice of social media marketing and business acumen.
All leaders, regardless of age, industry, race, et al, should have a mentor. On inc.com in an article entitled 10 reasons Why a Mentor is a Must, we learn that mentors give knowledge, serve as idea sound boards and provide insight on improvements that we may not readily see. Suzzette has been mentoring me on how to improve my brand and its visibility for years. Her expertise of my industry is indispensable as she has prepared me for opportunities as well as connected me with resources that have been instrumental in the growth of my business.
In most cases, mentorship is free, but it should be treated as invaluable. I encourage mentees to be proactive in scheduling time with their mentors, mapping out bullet points for meet ups and following through with the advice given. Personally, I block off time to meet with my mentor quarterly for lunch. In confidentially, we discuss the past, present and future. In Inc. com’s article, it is stated that “In the world of business, it can be hard to know who to trust – and that you can trust someone, especially with proprietary information or intellectual property.” Typic-ally, mentors are objective third-parties with no stake in [your ideas or ventures].” In that regard, you are free to discuss ideas, determine which ones have potential, and which ones should be left alone.
Additionally, I suggest that you do volunteer to work for your mentor. If we all believe that nothing in life is free, when possible, we should be available for our mentors just as they are available for us. When it comes to a mentor, I am always open to being supportive, giving discounts and attending events when needed. Mentors need to know that you are grateful and willing to show it with your time, just as they have been doing for you.
In my most recent meeting with Suzzette Turnbull, we had a chance to discuss her business plans, current and future. Her social media youth focused summer camp, CyberED, starts June 17 and ends July 26, and I am so excited. CyberED will teach youth ages 10-14 how to use social media safely, deal with cyberbullying and protect their self-esteem. This is exactly what the next generation needs! Way to go Suzzette! You have the full support of On the Scene and our readers.
Crystal Chanel
Press Release Marketing, LLCEvent Hosting • Marketing • Public Relationswww.justpressrelease.com @PressReleaseLLC on Instagram
