Business Mentoring How to get a business mentor

When you have come to the decision to get yourself a business mentor, how should you go about getting one? As with all things there can be lots of different routes but here’s are some of the key things you may wish to do to find potential mentors and then select one. Getting the right one can make a significant positive change to your business and professional life.

So where should you start?

1. Identify Your Needs and Goals:

  • Clearly define your professional objectives and the areas where you are thinking of getting support and guidance.
  • Identify specific skills, experiences, or industry knowledge that align with your goals and aspirations.

Now you know what you want to do, think through who you know that might be a suitable mentor. There are seasoned business professionals in the market who are now supporting other businesses as mentors, and passing on they coveted knowledge and skills.

2. Network Strategically:

Who has the knowledge and skill you seek?

  • Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to expand your professional circle.
  • Leverage online platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with potential mentors in your field.

3. Tap into Existing Networks:

Remember the ‘7 degrees of separation’ rule, where you can connect to anyone on the planet with 7 connection jumps. That gives you a lot of scope to leverage your existing network to find someone that can best support you.

  • Utilise your current professional network to seek mentor recommendations.
  • Inquire within industry associations, business chambers, or alumni networks for mentorship programs.

4. Participate in Mentorship Programs:

  • Check with your workplace and if they do not have a mentorship programme, start one.
  • Explore formal mentorship programs facilitated by business associations, accelerators, or educational institutions.
  • Engage with platforms that specialize in connecting mentors with mentees such as the Association of Business Mentors. They have hundreds of high calibre mentors all profiled on their site for you to review and consider.

5. Craft a Compelling Pitch to Your Prospective Mentor:

Now is the time to think through your version of an elevator pitch to hopefully engage and influence your prospective mentor to consider working with you. How should you do this?

  • Clearly articulate why you are seeking mentorship and what you hope to gain from the relationship.
  • Showcase your commitment, passion, and willingness to learn and grow.

6. Approach Prospective Mentors Professionally:

  • Send a well-crafted and concise email or message expressing your admiration for their work.
  • Clearly outline your goals and explain why you believe their guidance would be invaluable.

Be mindful as Mentors can be busy as they will also be working with other clients so allows a few days for them to come back to you.

7. Build Relationships

You will be working closely and establish a good connection from the start is really important. You might achieve this in your first conversation or session, or it might take some time depending on what your needs are and the your combined availability.

  • Attend mentor’s events or speaking engagements to establish a connection.
  • Seek informational interviews to understand their perspectives and build rapport.

8. Demonstrate Your Commitment:

Mentors are often very benevolent and if you are lucky enough to get one (it’s not guaranteed) then its important you act professional, so

  • Show that you are actively working on the advice given by your mentor.
  • Respect their time and demonstrate consistent progress.

9. Stay Open to Diverse Perspectives:

Bare in mind having someone with different experiences and knowledge to yourself can be a great asset. So consider mentors from other industries, roles and backgrounds to your own.

  • Consider mentors from various backgrounds, industries, or even generational differences.
  • Embrace the opportunity to learn from different viewpoints.

10. Be Patient and Persistent:

  • Building a mentor-mentee relationship takes time; be patient and allow the connection to develop naturally.
  • Follow up consistently without being overly intrusive.

Remember, the right mentor can be a catalyst for your professional growth. By strategically navigating your network and fostering meaningful connections, you can unlock new levels of success in your business endeavors.

Wishing you success in your mentorship journey.

Are there lists of business mentors?

You can find great mentors on the Association of Business Mentors website.

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