We often hear about finding a mentor, but have you considered a sponsor?
Mentors have an interest in seeing you succeed; however they may not be in a position to sponsor you.
Unlike mentorship, sponsors seek individuals they would like to sponsor. In some cases this is done anonymously where conversations are being held about your career or opportunities that you may not even be aware.
So why are sponsors important?
Sponsors are in the position of influence. They can reside indirectly or directly in your line of leadership or organizational structure.
They have a vested interest in seeing you progress in your career and ultimately succeed.
Sponsors can put you into rooms and introduce you to people you may not otherwise been able to connect with and essentially expand your network.
So why would a sponsor want to seek you?
Like any investment, it has to seem promising. Do you show up and excel at your work? Do you demonstrate a great work ethic and the drive and ability to do more? When someone sponsors you, their name and reputation are attached to you as well. Remember, sponsors typically are executives or have a larger sphere of influence and therefore, have a reputation to uphold.
How does a sponsor find you?
First and foremost, this takes time. You need to continue to show up to each meeting, project and event as if you are being sought after from a sponsor. Many executives notice high potential employees and in turn want to sponsor them and see their career progress. You can ask your reporting manager for different projects that expand outside of your department to gain more exposure. You can also ask questions during meetings to show your interest as well as your intellect. Asking questions can bring good attention to you and allow others to see you that may not interact with you on a regular basis.
To some people this is daunting, but trust me, with some practice you can do it.
If you are not sure, feel free to schedule a quick consultation with Moore of You and we will be glad to help!
If you are or have been sponsored, I would love to hear your story. Connect with me, so I can feature your story in a future post (names can be omitted if you like).