March 4th 2025.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reaching out, Seeking a Champion! It's great to see that you are thinking about advancing in your career. I completely agree that having a sponsor can be a game changer and I actually have a whole chapter dedicated to this topic in my book, Show Your Ask.
First, let's clarify the difference between a mentor and a sponsor. Think of it like NASCAR - mentors are like your pit crew, helping you perform at your best. Sponsors, on the other hand, are like the ones putting their name on your car, showing the world that they believe in you.
So what exactly is a sponsor and why do you need one? Well, a sponsor is not just someone who cheers you on from the sidelines. They hold power, influence, and have access to rooms and opportunities that can greatly impact your career. Typically, sponsors are your direct manager, senior executives, or high-ranking leaders with important connections. They don't just advise you, they advocate for you and create opportunities for your growth.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you can't just ask someone to be your sponsor. You have to attract them. Sponsors back professionals who consistently deliver results, maintain visibility, and have a strong professional brand.
So how can you attract a sponsor? Here are some key tips: consistently deliver excellent results, be vocal and confident in meetings, take on visible projects, build relationships with decision-makers, and clearly communicate your goals. It's also important to stay in touch with your sponsor and provide updates on your progress. Remember, sponsorship is not a one-time thing and communication is key.
Now you may be wondering, why is sponsorship such a game changer? Well, while mentors can help guide you, sponsors can actually put you in the driver's seat. My first sponsor didn't just give me advice, she vouched for me, connected me with the right people, and ultimately helped me land a leadership role in my dream department. And here's the thing, I didn't even ask for sponsorship. I earned it by consistently showing up, delivering results, and making it easy for her to invest in my success.
Sponsors don't just support anyone, they back winners. So put in the work, be undeniable, and watch as doors open for you that you never even knew existed. Find your pit crew, earn your sponsorship, and get ready to accelerate your success. You've got this!
Yours truly,
Your Fairygodmentor®
About Joyel Crawford:
Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She is also the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.
Do you have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®? Whether it's about navigating a difficult manager, setting boundaries at work, negotiating for a raise, or dealing with burnout, I am here to help. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today and let's work towards your career and leadership goals together!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
