Copy-Cat-Copywriting

This has got to be one of the dumbest ideas reported on the morning show.

A struggling author decided to test the publishing industry. Millions of copies of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice get sold every year. But if Jane were alive today, could she get published?

Duh.

If Jane were alive today, she'd have a cell phone and an iPod. She might be playing on her high school basketball team. She wouldn't write the same novel.

So why do millions buy Pride and Prejudice? Because it's a classic. We like being transported back to another era. We read Jane Austen's books in the context of literature and history of literature.

We also enjoy film revivals and classics. If Alfred Hitchcock were alive today, just beginning his film career, he wouldn't make Rear Window...at least not the same way.

Most of us can appreciate this point. But when we go to hire a mentor, often we choose someone who promises, "I'll show you how I built my business." Never mind that she built her business on the east coast and you're in the midwest. Forget that he's developed a catchy product that became associated with his name.

One of my Southern California friends began a coaching career by seeking out speaking opportunities. He made a few calls to chambers of commerce and other groups. They all welcomed him.

Here in Seattle, we have several Chambers. We also have a number of very smart entrepreneurs, all eager to speak. Many groups won't invite speakers unless you're a member (thus depriving their members of real learning opportunities, but that's another story).

So before hiring your mentor, ask, "Is he another Charles Dickens? Is she a Jane Austen?" If so you can enjoy a history lesson and not much more.