Thank Your Mentor

In sales and recruiting you hope to achieve a relationship with your client or candidate that leads to them calling you  a friend, adviser, or anything else more than just another salesperson or recruiter.
Sometimes you find that client that you can learn from. In that case we use a different word...mentor.

When you find that mentor be sure to thank them for their advice and help.
Let them know you appreciate their guidance and wisdom.
I'm glad I took my own advice. 
A little while ago I wrote an article:
best-compliment-ever-you're-professional
Since my mentor was the one that gave me the compliment those many years ago I always joked with him that I would someday write about it. I finally did. I'm glad I sent it to him so he got to see it.
He unexpectedly died yesterday morning.

We had communicated by email since we last saw each other over lunch about six weeks before he died. His final words as we were leaving the restaurant remain with me. I thanked him for all the wisdom he had passed on to me. I asked if he ever thought it was a bit strange that he was helping me with his own knowledge since we competed in the same industry.
He said "I love sharing my guidance, experience, and wisdom with you Everet, because I know you'll appreciate it."
I have Bob Burger.
Thank you!
Rest in peace.
Everet



Bob Burger obituary
Died peacefully, Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the age of 66. Beloved husband of Cheri. Dear father of Stephanie (Danny) Romero and Jennifer Romero, step-father of Jan Van Dam, Casey Van Dam and Abigale Van Dam. Grandfather to Daniel, Jesse, Caitlin, Joe, Jacob and Laine. Soon to be a Great Grandfather to Cattleya. Brother to Raymond (Lynn) of St. George, Utah.

A time of gathering will be at the Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive in Brookfield Sunday, February 8, 2015, from 10:00-10:45 AM. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 AM.

Bob served in the Air Force in the 1st Air Commando Wing from 1966-1971, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant by the age of 22. He saw combat in Vietnam and was a true warrior and patriot. Bob loved his country and was very proud of his service.

Bob worked in the Information Technologies Recruiting and Contracting field for over 25 years, and is respected by many in his industry. He began his own company, RBurger & Associates, LLC this past year. His astute professionalism earned him much respect from his peers, associates and past employees.

Bob loved building at his beloved Camp Tranquility. He took a piece of river front property and turned it into a real vacation oasis. Building a dock, woodshed, porch, screen porch and workbench. He spent his winters planning his next projects to improve his summer get-a-way spot.