How can you build a network of mentors outside of your industry?

One way that has really helped me in this regard is being clear about my expectations from the person I want to be my mentor. Making a list of key 3 expectations from a mentor can be way more helpful compared to having a vague sense of expectation. This significantly increases the chance of finding right mentors as you clearly know which kind of person you are looking for.

When I wanted to transition into recruiting, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do, and how. I just needed some guidance. I searched my network on LinkedIn, and asked for informational interviews. I posted everyday to help expand my network, and let others know what I was looking to do. Having conversations with my network aligned me with the right people, and propelled me into where I wanted to be in my career. With so many people changing what they are doing every few years, I feel as though mentors become our guides through that process. We never know when we can pay it forward by being a guide or a support in return.

An example of having a goal can be explained by knowing what your mentor has achieved and how that can influence your growth at personal and professional level. Does the person actually possess what you are seeking?

One of your goals in seeking a mentor is to sharpen your skills, motivations , execution and tenacity. Seek a mentor UNLIKE yourself - a person who has different personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. You will learn the most potentially, if you remain humble, from a boss and/or mentor different than you. At first it will be rough , but the value proposition will kick- in over time!

Have a clear objective in mind as to why you want to engage with a mentor. Often times people expect mentors to provide the goal or objective, and that is simply not the role of a mentor. Be clear, intentional and already offer some potential actions where you mentor can be helpful with.

Outreach for potential mentors should be a value proposition. Before reaching out for support, OFFER support. Do your research on your prospects and say, "I see you do ____, I would love to be of support to you, would it be helpful if I ____?" this should come before you ask them to mentor you. Any pieces of advice that can be given are great, but the biggest key is to actually find the courage to make the ask. Many struggle asking because they believe they don't think the other person will be interested... Let THEM make that decision. As Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Take the shot, if you miss, you can always take another!

Try to avoid being too salesy - if you are cold messaging someone, do not copy and paste some standard. Pause to think how you might open a conversation with someone. Understand that we receive numerous messages per day so consider timing and content - when and what will people actually read?

Set up a simple template (consider a link to a landing page About you as well) with 1. who you are, 2. what you do, 3. how much time you need (never more than 15 min to start) and 4. what help you need. Contacting busy mentors on LinkedIn with this template gives them clarity and also allows you to quickly filter out anyone not interested really fast.

Linkedin is a great tool. It can also be a numbers game, but if you identify the right professionals you may need to speak with you have already set a clear goal. Afterwards, reach out to them with clear, personal and simple messaging. Of the ones who do engage, have a coffee or a virtual coffee and get to know them as a person. When I have expanded my business interests I have sought out people who may be able to assist, but are realistically likely to engage. I have then grabbed a coffee etc and built a relationship first. There is a lot of arrogance in founder land and mentors, advisors, funders are people to so focus on the people aspect

Oftentimes, being proactive is necessary. Sometimes people will engage, or will want to engage, but they are busy. So hold their hand, guide them and take control of matters. Keep the engagement up, but be respectful, realistic and reactive. A crucial thing to remember is tapping into networks opens doors and open minds. Perhaps consider if you can onwardly connect them with someone or one of your other contacts can help warm up this potential connection.

Be open to receive feedback and consider a different point of view. Mentors are there to be a sounding board and ultimately help provide an alternative view to yours on how best to approach your new endeavour. Keeping an open mind to receiving feedback can be a good way to truly challenge your own thinking and take a broader view on your approach. More so, being able to engage in feedback helps your mentor also feel like they are offering value and spending their time in a worthwhile manner.

You don't know what you don't know. I think many seeking funding do not respect the various industries and specialisms around them. In the past few years I have realised personally that someone good at marketing is invaluable, a finance specialist is key and good lawyer is essential etc etc. A problem shared is a problem halved, so having the right team is crucial. It also tees you up for latter life cycle events. If you have a good network of mentors, advisors etc., you have access to problem solvers, blue sky thinkers and constructive feedback. You should do just this - engage them with direct matters and seek direct input, criticism and suggestions. Even if you do not implement them, they may assist your goals going forward.

My CEO, Robert Santana wisely notes that ALL successful people have something in common; "they ALL have benefited from the generosity of others..." How can we better plant seeds that build a legacy bigger than ourselves? We give it to the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. We INVEST in others, not because we will see the returns now, but because we believe the returns are greater than what we can see tomorrow. If our struggles can ease the burden for the next leader, it had worth! If we struggle without the lessening future burden, what was the point? I love the quote by Pablo Picasso, "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away" Let's give it away!

Honestly, what goes around comes around and the universe never fails. It is crucial to almost begin any engagement, or at the very least after getting to know someone openly, by asking them "what do YOU need" or "what are your pinch points or problems right now". I often find people to appreciate just being asked and you learn a lot about them too. If I have then helped someone, they have paid it back 9 times out of 10. Most companies I have come across in my experience who are raising funds have a bad energy and lack the human component. The key is to remember that just because something doesn't happen in a first conversation, doesn't mean the door is closed. Simply warming up a potential connection may be very useful down the line.

Check your ego at the door!… No one wants to try to mentor an arrogant person. One key to garnering maximum value from mentors is a posture of humility, teachability and thirst for continuous learning. And don’t forget to laugh at yourself and your failures. They will come —keep “showing up” and keep learning !

Be authentic! Everyone loves dealing with other authentic people. You will be able to attract mentors if you reveal your true self - with your weaknesses and challenges. Who doesn't have them? Being aware of it only make you look strong and ready for the right advice. That is what good mentors want - someone who is authentically ready to listen and implement.