You hear a lot about the benefits of mentorship. But, how do go about actually finding your own mentor? Well, that you don’t hear quite as much about.
Why? Finding a mentor—particularly a suitable one—isn’t always easy. And, it becomes even more challenging if you don’t have a large network of professional contacts you can lean on for a recommendation.
However, don’t write off the whole concept yet! You can definitely still find a great mentor, even if one particular person doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Just follow these tips, and you’ll have a trusted advisor in no time.
1. Reconsider the Term “Network”
“How will I ever find a mentor if I don’t have a network? It’s impossible!” you’re thinking to yourself. Not so fast. I challenge you to reconsider that thought—because pretty much everybody has a network in one form or another.
Sure, maybe you don’t have a group of fellow professionals that you sit around and chat about industry trends and hot button issues with. But, I bet you still have a web of people you’re in contact with on a regular basis. Your co-workers. Your church group. Your teammates on your softball team. They’re all part of your network, and they’re all people who could help connect you with an amazing mentor that they might have in their own circle of contacts.
So, don’t write them all off as a hodgepodge of random connections. Even if they don’t know you in a professional environment, they’re still a great resource to tap in order to get a meeting or introduction with someone who could be an awesome counselor for you.
2. Keep Your Eyes Open
While there are a few online programs you can join in order to get matched with a mentor, there’s really no tried and true database you can use to find your perfect fit. Searching for a mentor isn’t like buying a used car.
It’s up to you to keep your eyes open in order to identify people who could be suitable. Talk to your connections and peruse LinkedIn. That industry-related article you just read and loved? Do some research on the author. That conference speaker you admired? Be sure to get his or her business card.
Always be on the lookout for people you think would make a great mentor. That way, you’ll build a quality pool of contacts you can reach out to when you’re ready to take that step.
3. Be Proactive
In regards to actually getting in touch with a potential mentor, the ball is entirely in your court. It can be a little intimidating, but you need to be aggressive. After all, there aren’t too many accomplished professionals out there who are going to come to you. Most people don’t glance at a LinkedIn profile and think, “My expertise could really benefit this person! I’m going to take him under my wing, whether he likes it or not!”
Needless to say, when it comes time to reach out, it’s up to you to make the first move. Send a brief and complementary introduction email or LinkedIn message. Or, better yet, request a coffee meeting if the person is local.
I know it can seem a little forward. But, if you truly want to get a mentor, you’ll need to be proactive. You simply can’t wait for one to approach you.
4. Don’t Limit Yourself
If you live in a small town or a more rural area, it can be all too easy to think you’ll never find a positive mentor to guide and advise you. Your pond is too small. However, you shouldn’t limit your search for a mentor geographically. With technology today, there’s no reason that you can’t have a great mentor relationship with someone who’s across the country—or even across the world.
In addition to keeping your mind open when it comes to location, it’s also great to think outside the box when it comes to the industry and occupation of your mentor. There’s no rulebook that states your mentor has to do the exact same thing as you. Sure, that can be helpful for issues and questions pertaining to your specific career field. However, take some time to think about the other areas where you need guidance.
Are you hoping someone can help you increase your efficiency and boost your time management skills? Those qualities translate across all career paths. Are you a business owner who really needs help getting your accounting in order? Then you likely want to foster a relationship with an accountant, and not a fellow business owner.
Don’t limit your search based on what you think you’re supposed to have in a mentor. Think about what you really need and could benefit from, and then go from there!
A mentor can be a great benefit to your professional life. However, that doesn’t mean that finding the perfect one is easy. And, it becomes even tougher if you have limited resources—like a small network.
Don’t get discouraged! With these four tips, you can definitely still find an amazing mentor who’s sure to help you keep moving forward—or up (up the ladder, that is)!
