I can’t think of a single farmer I’ve written about for Top Producer who doesn’t have a mentor. This common thread of support, gut checking and inspiration is evident in the success top producers find.
Mentors can take many forms. Perhaps you’ve had the pleasure of working alongside a parent or relative, or you’ve sought out a business leader in your community.
That’s what Matt Splitter, a young farmer from Kansas did. The relationship his family built with another family in his area transformed his operation.
GROW FASTER
Look at the decision makers and leaders on your farm. Are they all around the same age? Do they all have the same experience level?
If so, you could be on the precipice of getting really stuck in your business, says Jon Acuff, an entrepreneur, speaker and best-selling author.
If you really want to grow the sophistication or size of your farm, borrow someone else’s diploma, Acuff encourages. He says every business leader needs two mentors:
- One who is 10 to 20 years ahead of you.
- One who is 10 to 20 years behind you.
The first is someone with a decade or two more experience than you.
“Look at the parts of your life or business you want to make a little better or enjoy a little more, and find someone who is doing that” Acuff says.
Ask: What do you wish you knew at my stage?
On the flip side, develop a relationship with someone who is 10 or 20 years behind you in age or experience.
Why? “They are seeing things you are not seeing,” Acuff says. “They are seeing things you just don’t see because of your age or experience.”
Ask: What is the new way to do this?
Where does it say you must have the experience to learn from the experience? When we are humble enough to “borrow that diploma,” we’ll grow in a way we never expected, he adds.
Learn more insights from Acuff: The Surprising Truth: 4 Things You May Not Know About Reaching Goals
