Everybody needs a little guidance. After 30 (gulp!) years in the business I know I can still use a trusted colleague off whom I can bounce an idea and get feedback. When I was coming up in radio there were no women for me to consult so I went to men I admired. My first mentor was the afternoon drive host on a very successful station where I did overnights. I've never forgotten how nervous I was when I asked if he would listen to my airchecks and work with me. To my surprise he agreed, on very strict terms including: stand me up once and we're done!
Your friends and family are great for venting and sharing frustrations but unless they're familiar with broadcasting they can't likely offer assistance with an on-the-job challenge.
That's where a mentor comes in. A mentor can be anyone whose work you admire, hopefully within your own organization. It doesn't even have to be a formal arrangement as long as you develop a two-way trust and can be assured that honesty will be job one when it comes to their feedback.
Give that person a call and ask if you can take them out for a coffee. The very worst they can say is "no" and be prepared for that. If they say "yes" respect their time and don't waste it. Know the difference between asking for guidance and asking someone to do the work for you. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know". People love to help others and they love to be asked their opinion. Listen. And grow.

