SPONSOR VERSUS MENTOR: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
You might wonder what is the difference between a Mentor and a Sponsor.
MENTOR: A mentor is someone who helps you “in the room” – directly guiding, listening, coaching, and supporting you in your development.
SPONSOR; A sponsor is someone who helps you when you’re not in the room — indirectly championing your reputation, opportunities, and directly saying your name in the right moments to the right people.
So, you want a “Sponsor” to help you succeed in your career?
First, choose someone that you would like to speak on your behalf when you’re not in the room. Then, be courageous to ask them directly to be a sponsor!
Here are three things to request from your Sponsor:
- SAY MY NAME: “I would love for you to say my name when you see opportunities to highlight my value in your interactions with others.”
- TICKET TO THE GAME: “Would you be willing to bring me to your _____ meeting so I can see how you lead?”
- SHARE YOUR FAME: “May I ask you to lend your credibility/relationship with ______ to help me make a connection with him/her?”
Susan E. Hendrich 
This is a very cool concept. I NEEED a sponsor. Would you be, could you be, would you be my sponsor (as Mr Rogers would sing.) SO how are ya?
From: “Susan E. Hendrich”
Reply-To: “Susan E. Hendrich”
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 12:15 PM
To: “Lesnaw, Judith A.”
Subject: [New post] Get a Sponsor – Be a Sponsor – Part 1
CAUTION: External Sender
Susan Hendrich posted: ” You might wonder what is the difference between a Mentor and a Sponsor. A mentor is someone who helps you “in the room” – directly guiding, listening, coaching, and supporting you in your development. A sponsor is someone who helps you when you’re not in”
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