Critical Thinking

Mentoring Others

I mentioned paying it forward in a previous chapter. That’s a concept I’ve practiced for many years, as my way of saying thanks to the people that have offered me their help, when there was no way I could possibly pay them back. Instead, I pay it forward¸ freely giving my assistance to others. If they express a desire to pay me back for the favor, I suggest they follow the same policy.

I’ve had the satisfaction of mentoring a few people in my lifetime, and found it to be a tremendously rewarding experience. Personally, I get some satisfaction out of giving something with no other reason other than that I can. Perhaps that’s human nature, to feel good about doing some good.

But I find it even more fulfilling to see someone take what’s offered and build upon it, turning it into something even more valuable.

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Any Regrets?

If you had it to do all over again…

Not a very complex question, but one that can give rise to some complex reflection. Personally, I adhere to a similar philosophy as Steve, as he states below. I am what I am, because of what I’ve done… to change that would change what I am.

Nevertheless, I still wouldn’t change my decision to dive into the SEO pool – even the deep end. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, and this certainly supplies that. Besides, it’s interesting and fun. Even small victories are enjoyable, when earned, and in SEO, you earn every inch.

Then there’s the people. I’ve met some great folks in the last decade, and I’ve managed to build some great relationships in the process. Some of those people are represented here, and others here may one day count me as a friend. So I’m very pleased with the outcome, and wouldn’t change it for the world.

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Who Were Your Mentors?

I’ve had the good fortune to have had many mentors in my life. Some were personal, some professional, and a few were both. Because I benefited greatly from those associations, I feel obligated to share my experience with others when I can. If anyone can learn from my mistakes, then I have a lot to offer, because I’ve certainly made plenty of mistakes!

I won’t mention all of them here, but I do want to comment on a few.

• Lee Cooper, a former President of Franklin Electric’s Programmed Power division, was one of the first prominent businessmen with whom I had close personal contact. He was hired as a consultant for the company at which I acted as both Chief Engineer and Marketing Manager. Consequently, we worked very closely together, and developed a friendship as well as a mentor/protégé relationship. I learned a great deal from Lee about old-school marketing and people, in general, that has stuck with me and helped form my business philosophy, particularly toward work ethic and customer service.

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