Mentoring is an invaluable business opportunity IF you know how to go about it the right way with the right strategies. That’s what I discuss in this episode with my guest, Ed McDonough.
Ed is a seasoned marketing strategist, direct response copywriter, and the founder of ECE Marketing Services, based in New Bern, NC. He has authored four books on marketing strategy, including the Amazon Best Sellers ‘Build and Monetize Your Email List’ and ‘Client Acquisition Marketing’.
Beyond helping businesses grow and prosper, Ed mentors aspiring copywriters, sharing his expertise to help them refine their skills and excel in the industry.
Ed believes mentoring is important because, like with trade apprenticeships, if somebody can guide you through the process of establishing your business it makes things a lot easier for you. In Ed’s life he had some great mentors and coaches as well. It’s because of what they taught him that enabled him to be successful in the business world.
Ed’s First Mentoring Experience
Ed was in corporate IT for 25 years. During that time, he was also a woodworking hobbyist and wanted to start a custom woodworking business in furniture and cabinets. A friend who had started businesses before became Ed’s earliest mentor. He took Ed under his wing, taught him how to create a business plan and how to strategize marketing. Ed contributes that to what made him a success so quickly. Before mentoring, Ed wasn’t thinking about a business plan, he was thinking about getting some business cards and printing up fliers like many other people in the industry. His mentor got Ed off that track and that’s what made Ed successful out of the blocks.
The Traits of a Successful Mentee
Ed naturally had certain skills that helped him be a successful mentee. He listened to exactly what his mentor said. Ed really trusted him because his mentor was someone that Ed respected. Initially, Ed didn’t ask him to be his mentor. He asked him for some advice; “I’m going to start a business can you tell me the top three things you think I should do?” Not only did he tell Ed the three things, he also coached Ed through the process of writing the business plan and putting together the marketing strategy. This helped Ed by making him think about things that he probably wouldn’t have thought of if he hadn’t talked to his mentor. Ed valued his mentor’s opinion so much it was easy to listen to what he said.
How to Choose Potential Mentors
In Ed’s case it was somebody he knew; they had worked together for a while and became friends through work. Ed knew how smart his soon-to-be mentor was about business; he got to see him in action everyday as he was Ed’s boss. Ed got to see how he worked with people and learned about his leadership style.
Ed believes that if you’re going to pick a mentor you want to interview them as well as have them interview you. You want to make sure that there’s synergy and naturally compatible energy there to know if it’s the right fit. The most important thing is that the mentor must be focused on helping the mentee reach the goal and the mentee has to be open to new ideas.
We also dive into topics such as:
- The qualities that make a good mentor.
- Advice about how to be a good mentee.
- How to ask quality questions as a mentor to get better results for your mentee.
- What NOT to do as a mentee.
- Pitfalls that mentors should be aware of and avoid.
- Why mentoring is so important in the business world.
- What a successful mentoring plan looks like.
- The most important aspect of mentoring relationships and how to embrace it.
…and more golden nuggets of advice!
You can get my book here: “Idea Climbing: How to Create a Support System for Your Next Big Idea”
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About My Guest
Ed McDonough is a marketing strategist, direct response copywriter, and the founder of ECE Marketing Services, LLC (est. 2009), and headquartered in New Bern, NC.
With over two decades of entrepreneurial success, Ed has built a reputation as a sought-after advisor for business owners and executives who want to create effective marketing systems that attract high-value clients, increase revenue, and maximize profitability.
Author of four books on marketing strategy including the Amazon Best Sellers ‘Build and Monetize Your Email List’ and ‘Client Acquisition Marketing’, Ed’s thought leadership and unique ability to craft persuasive copy that captivates and converts, has helped struggling companies achieve measurable results.
Since 2001, he has launched and led two successful businesses, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted authority in the world of business growth.
Ed’s passion for sharing his knowledge has allowed him to teach marketing strategy seminars and copywriting workshops to thousands of consultants and business leaders across the United States. His real-world insights and hands-on approach make him a sought-after mentor for those looking to elevate their marketing results.
Beyond his marketing expertise, Ed brings more than 25 years of experience as a senior Information Technology professional and Project Management Consultant in Corporate America. His extensive background in these fields gives him a comprehensive understanding of the business environment, enabling him to bridge the gap between technology, marketing, sales, and strategic company growth.
A graduate of the EPC Institute and the Expect Success Academy, Ed holds certifications as an Email Marketing Specialist and Consultant, as well as professional training in Direct Response and UX Copywriting. These credentials reflect his commitment to staying at the forefront of marketing innovation and best practices.
Ed is actively engaged in his community as an Ambassador with the New Bern Chamber of Commerce and an Advisor with the Small Business Center at Craven Community College. He has also held leadership positions, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Friends of St. Patrick association in Walpole, MA, and as Chairman of the Board of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to community involvement is a testament to his values and leadership.
Outside of work, Ed enjoys a range of interests that keep him balanced and energized. He values time with family, loves to travel, and is an avid hiker, guitar player, and beach enthusiast. As a teacher and practitioner of Intuitive Meditation and Qigong, he embraces a holistic approach to well-being, embodying a lifestyle of personal growth and mindfulness.
Click here to connect with Ed on LinkedIn!
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