Mentors advise but sponsor act.
In your career journey, you need an advocate that will act on your behalf and create opportunities for you.
Mentors provide behind the scenes advice and support. They help you to learn.
Sponsors are on the front lines and will tell others that you are the person for the job. Typically speaking, you don’t get to choose a sponsor; a sponsor chooses you.
Here are three ways to set yourself up to secure a sponsor;
1. Do your best work
If you don’t do your work and do it well, you are not going to get a sponsor. People who are worthy of sponsorship are those who excel. Do what you need to do to produce your best work. Dedicate the time, and ask for support when you need it. Those who are sponsor-worthy are not necessarily those who can do everything on their own. Sponsor-worthy professionals are people who know what resources they need to support them and their work.
2. Let people know about your accomplishments
If you want someone else to speak highly of you, they need to know what you have accomplished. That is, if you want other people to market you, you need to market yourself. This means letting others know about your successes. When a person asks how you are, use this opportunity to briefly share a recent accomplishment. Don’t just respond with, “I’m well.” Elaborate. Share why you are doing well professionally. Share your accomplishments so that other people will know what you are working on and can speak up for you. As long as you don’t boast or make it only about you in your conversations, people will receive your news well.
3. Sponsor your colleagues
If you want someone to sponsor you, consider sponsoring other people. When people see that you support the advancement of others, they will be more inclined to support your advancement. A sponsor is critical to moving your career forward. And so is sponsoring others. You play an active part in advancing the careers of others can facilitate your growth. If you want a sponsor, do your best work, speak up about your accomplishments and sponsor others. Set the foundation, and give your future sponsors what they need to want to advocate for you. Make them want to choose you.