The word “busy” often carries negative connotations, suggesting unapproachability, a lack of control over time or an unwillingness to take on more.
This year, one of my goals is to remove “busy” from my vocabulary. However, I’ve realized how challenging this is while balancing my roles as a mother of two, an executive and a boss. For example, when PPAI asked me to write this column, my first thought was, “I’m too busy to write it, and everyone else is too busy to read it.”
Since I had already said yes and couldn’t change my mind, I asked myself what would I stop to read no matter how packed my schedule?
- What advice do I wish I’d received when I started in this industry 14 years ago?
I asked a few colleagues what advice they wished they had received when they started. Among the many responses, my biggest takeaway was that I wished someone had connected the dots between the career advancement articles I was reading outside the industry and promo-specific insights. That’s exactly what I aim to do here.
Welcome to Frase’s Phrases – a quarterly series where I’ll share three impactful phrases, expressions, quotes, clichés or lessons that I’ve picked up along my journey, along with how you can apply them in the promo industry to advance your career.
Today, we’re diving into mentorship.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton
I’d assume this is true in all industries, but in promo, it’s especially relevant. You don’t need just one mentor – you need many, all at once. My first official mentor came to me when I had no idea where to begin.
PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, seeks to educate and mentor within our industry. When I had no idea where to go for my first mentor, I started here, and I encourage you to do the same. I was matched with a mentor who shaped my entire career. A decade later, even though he’s now enjoying retirement, I still call him for advice in my role as a vice president of sales – just as I did when I was an inside sales rep.
You don’t need just one mentor – you need many, all at once.”
Brittany Frase
VP of Sales, HIRSCH
Ask yourself: Who do you look up to? Whose social posts do you always engage with because they’re insightful and resonate with you? Reach out to that person and say, “I’d love to have your insight on X issue. If you can carve out 15-20 minutes of your time for me, I’d love to pick your brain about it.”
Early in my career, I read countless articles on how to ask for a mentor, but they often made it too complicated. Just ask for help with a specific issue, and the mentorship will develop naturally – no official agreement needed.
“Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” – Peter Drucker
If you’ve ever worked with or for me, you’ve heard me say this often enough that it’s likely eyeroll inducing. As an exercise, I encourage you to pause and write down three things you excel at and three things you don’t.
If you already know your weaknesses, this is a great topic to discuss with a new mentor. Ask them for specific strategies to address your blind spots, and if you’re in a leadership role, consider delegating these tasks. Their guidance can help you develop targeted action steps to overcome challenges and become a more effective professional.
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And if you still feel like it’s a weakness? There is power in realizing it’s okay not to be the best at everything. Recognize who is the best at that weakness and ask for their help if you’re a colleague. If you’re in a position to, delegate that task, so that you can focus on the things you excel at.
If you’re unsure what your weaknesses are (and trust me, I get it – my husband thinks I’m flawless!), this is another great question for a mentor. Ask someone who has worked with you long enough to help define your biggest opportunities for growth. Resist the urge to get defensive and embrace their feedback as an opportunity for improvement. A good mentor will see strengths and weaknesses that you might not recognize in yourself.
“The best leaders are lifelong learners.” – John Wooden
Your mentors don’t always have to be people you know or are matched with in a program. I’ve taken away valuable perspectives from many a sales, marketing or general business book. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I encourage anyone starting in this business to do the same.
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Our industry is certainly unique, but it’s not that unique, and by that I mean – there are plenty of other people in other industries facing the same challenges you are that have overcome them and thrived. While I wouldn’t call books my mentors, I would certainly say they’ve provided mentorship, as have PPAI conferences, commonsku educational events and meet-ups with colleagues in similar positions as myself in the industry.
From Phrases To Actions
The key to a successful mentorship is not just asking the right questions but acting on the answers.
These are three of the phrases that have stuck with me throughout my promo career, helping me navigate new challenges and opportunities. Start seeking out mentors and applying these questions today. You’ll be amazed at how your mentors and mentorship can transform your trajectory.
And if you ever feel too “busy” to take that first step, remember that being busy shouldn’t be a badge of honor or an excuse. Prioritizing mentorship and learning will ultimately help you gain more control over your time and career.
Frase, MAS, is vice president of sales at HIRSCH – PPAI 100’s No. 20 supplier – and a 2024 PPAI Rising Star.
Written by: Brittany Frase
Published with Permission from PPAI
