One of the latest trends in the blogosphere is mentoring those who are just starting out in the business, whatever that business might be. I think this is terrific, I’m all for giving back. However, I often wonder about the true motivations behind people who are very vocal about their good deeds. Some bloggers even make a practice of giving a play by play of their protege’s coaching sessions, and don’t notice that it comes out as a little self serving and condescending. Being a mentor is impressive, so I understand why some bloggers boast about their coaching ability as a way to build traffic and establish expertise. But what are they really saying when they do this?
What’s Your Motivation
I think it’s important for all of us to do things that make a difference. It doesn’t matter if it’s mentoring, raising awareness or raising funds for a charity, good deeds rock. Sometimes, though, it’s more about the deed itself than how many people know you’re doing the deed, if that makes any sense. When you have to list everyone you help and all the causes you contribute to as a way of bringing attention to your name or your blog, I have to wonder about your true motivation. Is it really because you want to help, or because you want everyone to know you’re helping?
See the difference?
If you want to help people, help them. Why does everyone need to know about it? If it’s more about the other person than it is for the kudos, why not keep it private?
I think we in the blogosphere worry too much about being a bigger expert than the other bloggers. We have to toot our horns and prove our expertise and it’s just silly. If you have something to share, share. If you have something to teach, teach. Keep in mind though, that sometimes it’s the things we don’t see or hear about that make the biggest impression.
