Sometimes things happen for a reason. I recently found myself in a position where I reached out to a Entrepreneur who owns a small Marketing Company that I would consider a mentor of sorts because of the direction I would like to take my brand in. I was actually referred to this person from a friend. I wrote a very professional pitch letter and attached my media kit to the email asking to intern or become a mentee so I can further my professional marketing and PR experience. I was thrown off by the reply and even more surprised that after I responded to it I didn’t receive a reply to my response. While there are many established companies that welcome interns or mentees I guess there are some that don’t or maybe it’s just the cases where they may feel threatened.
I am going to give you my personal opinion of the situation and you can weigh in once I give you the details. The initial response to the first email I sent was that… “it seemed as though I was trying to do something similar to their company and offer similar services”. There were differences in their list of offerings and what I would like to do. It was also questioned how they thought they would be able to help me without becoming competitive and securing their clients. I honestly just wanted to learn and would never as a intern or mentee solicit another companies clients. That’s just really shady! I know they did their research on me by investigating my media kit and going to all my social media channels etc. to see if my stats were accurate and see how I engage on my social media platforms. They did mention that they were impressed at how far I have come on my own.
The conclusion I have come to after not receiving a response to my last email explaining that I had no intention of becoming competitive and was in no position to do that, I just wanted to learn. I got a sense of them fearing my success. I also offered my services to do things that may not be a strong suit for the company. I stated that there are people who always outsource tasks that they don’t particularly like doing themselves so they can focus on their passion and what they are happiest doing. At the end of the day, I got no response and decided to leave it be. What I did learn from this situation is that no matter what, someone is always watching you offline and online. I received a few emails after this particular incident with opportunities to do exactly what I wanted to do from larger corporate companies. I was elated that they thought of me and that I will be able to gain the experience I seek to expand my brand .
I am okay with the outcome because it wasn’t the right opportunity for me and I see that. Sometimes we may encounter obstacles or roadblocks but, when one door closes another one opens and it may exceed our expectations. A mentor shouldn’t mind you picking their brain, listening to you bounce ideas off of them or mind pushing you in the right direction. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt another person, blogger or company for that matter didn’t want to see you succeed or feared your success, almost putting you in a position where they viewed you as a potential threat to them? This was my first real up close and personal encounter with this type of situation. What are your thoughts?
I have had experience with this with my online and local part of my business. I had a competitor online that acted as if she was a potential customer to get information about my vendors and has also posted the same or very similar worded posts on her facebook page as I would post on mine.
Most recently, I had an issue with a local business who did something similar as the online, but the kicker is that she doesn’t even deal with the same kind of business as I do but wanted to branch into it because she saw I was making money.
lesa´s last blog post ..The business, the wife, and the family life
I think that it happens a lot, and not just with bloggers or other professionals. I have seen it happen with people in social circles as well. “You don’t want to do that, do you? That sounds like a lot of work.” What that really means is that they are either jealous of your ambition or don’t want you to succeed because it will make them feel less than. Boo on them. Do your thing.
Tricia O.´s last blog post ..It snowed in Boston and I lost my mind
Lesa,
That’s unfortunate, I know that when people do things just to do them and there is no passion or purpose behind it, it rarely prospers. It’s also not cool to be a copy cat! I’ve been hearing so many stories about cut & paste incidents etc. It’s sad!
Tricia,
You make so much sense, I’m glad that I’m able to shake things off and move past them. Thank you. 😉
I have never experienced this problem before. Then again, I am not really trying to peruse any career as far as my blog is concerned. It’s all just a hobby to me. The good thing for you (and it seems to be the way it usually goes) is that where one door closed (or perhaps never opened to begin with) another few opened up for you. I wish you much success as you pursue your dreams!
Shelly´s last blog post ..Spend President’s Day Weekend at Myrtle Beach with the “Presidential Perks Package”
Also read “Crabs in a Bucket” – often not only are people fearful of other success, but they blatantly (although sometimes subconsciously) pull each other down.
As a coach and mentor I can tell you – the GOOD ones realize that in mentoring someone, you grow yourself, so it is truly a win-win. Its nothing to ever be feared. Trust me when I say that their lack of professionalism is probably a blessing.
Lynsey @MoscatoMom´s last blog post ..BOLD Goal #2 Done – Dirty Girl Mud Run
I am sorry to hear about your experience. I am a giving person who totally embraced the “each one teach one” philosophy from the civil rights movement. I think it is important to find and be part of a good support system. It is good you found out this company was not a match for you so you can find one that is.
Janeane Davis´s last blog post ..A Good Attitude Make Work and Home Problems Seem Better
I think this happened to show you that that was not the place for you without you having gone through the trouble of working with them. I imagine if you did end up working with them they might have used you, held you back, and possible even actively tried to prevent you from going of on your own since they view you as that much of a competitive threat.
Chasing Joy´s last blog post ..Create Personal Mantras To Feel More Joy
The world of business is cut throat on or off line. Not all players are confident enough to reach out or try new avenues. I’ve seen people take their idea to others and end up getting undercut. Count it a blessing that certain doors do not open. You will find your niche.