I like to use events as milestones to get things. Lots of times I’ll just pick a show or conference and decided that I must have X,Y, and Z all finished before, say, Affiliate Summit in Boston. When I initially make the plan, the event always seems so far off – giving me plenty of time to plow through the long list of must-do’s. But along the way other things crop up, I get sidetracked, or I find some other excuse to delay doing what needs to be done.

My friends and family think that I’m really just a deadline junkie and I need the adrenaline fix of always being under pressure. Considering that my entire career has been comprised of very high-pressure jobs that all revolved around super-strict deadlines, I should probably admit that they are right. In the end, there are very few times that I don’t make my self-imposed deadlines – even if it wouldn’t matter to anyone else if I slipped just a bit.

And the pressure is mounting again as I need to get through a lengthy to-do list before I head to Affiliate Summit in Boston. One of the most important things I need to stay on top of is communicating with a newbie affiliate manger that is going to the show for the first time. Her name is Carol and we have been paired up as part of the Affiliate Summit Mentor Program. Based on feedback, the program was started as a way to make it easier for those attending the show for the first time have a better understanding of what to expect and how to maximize their time at the event.

The show has grown and can be a little overwhelming with lots of information to absorb in the sessions. But often the networking part can be slightly intimidating for those that don’t know other folks. It’s a big show, but in a way, it’s a still a small community and it can be difficult to approach people if it looks like they are all chums and you don’t know anyone in the group.

The mentor program, headed up by Teresa Caldwell, matches up newbie show attendees with volunteers, who have been to the event before, to show the first-timer the ropes, set their expectations prior to the show and take them around to facilitate with some introductions.

I’m really excited about the opportunity to be included in the program. Plus, my mentee (yes, that’s a real word) rocks! Carol is eager, smart, and enthusiastic and seem fun and lively from the emails we’ve exchanged and quick call earlier this month. I have a feeling Carol really doesn’t need me to meet people, but I’m still glad we’re paired up. I suspect I’m going to learn a thing or two from her along the way.

I think there still might be time to get on board as a mentor. Do it. You will not regret it.

If you’re new to the Affiliate Summit and don’t want a mentor, but need some tips, check out this video created by Affiliate Summit co-founder, Shawn Collins. There some great information in the video about networking at the show.

And, if you see me and perky woman named Carol at the show, stop us and introduce yourself.