Finding a mentor or advisor can be a valuable way to boost your account management skills, learn from someone else's experience, and expand your network. But how do you approach someone who you admire and respect, and ask them to share their time and wisdom with you? Here are some tips to help you effectively reach out to a potential mentor or advisor.
Before you contact anyone, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the mentoring or advising relationship. Do you want to improve your communication skills, learn new strategies, or explore new career opportunities? Having specific and realistic goals will help you narrow down your list of potential mentors or advisors, and also show them that you are serious and motivated.
To effectively approach a mentor, one must be keen to knowledge, growth,humility and must be open to corrections when wrong.
In order for us to reach out to a good mentor who has required experience and expertise, we have to do some research. Secondly, when approaching a mentor or advisor, it’s important to demonstrate that we’re interested to learn and contribute to the goals mutually beneficial. Thirdly, we need to clearly articulate our goals, challenges, or inquiries with our mentor or advisor in order for them to understand us better so that they can best support us. Fourthly, we’ve to meet at their convenience and be flexible with scheduling to fit into their schedules. Fifthly, we have to gently follow up after a reasonable amount of time if they don’t respond immediately. Finally, we have to show gratitude for their mentorship or guidance.
Once you have a list of people who match your goals, you need to do some research on them. Find out their background, expertise, interests, and achievements. Look at their LinkedIn profile, website, blog, or social media accounts. This will help you tailor your message to them, and also find some common ground or points of connection.
When you are ready to reach out to your potential mentor or advisor, you need to craft a personalized and respectful message. Avoid generic or spammy emails that sound like you are mass mailing. Instead, use their name, mention how you found them, and explain why you are interested in learning from them. Be specific about your goals, and how they relate to their expertise. Also, be polite and humble, and don't assume that they will agree to your request. Ask them if they would be willing to have a chat with you, and suggest a convenient time and mode of communication.
If you don't get a response right away, don't give up or get angry. Remember that your potential mentor or advisor is likely to be busy and have other commitments. Give them some time, and follow up with a gentle reminder after a week or two. If they reply, thank them for their time, and confirm the details of the chat. If they decline, respect their decision, and thank them for their consideration. Don't take it personally, and move on to another prospect.
Before you have the chat with your potential mentor or advisor, you need to prepare yourself. Review your goals, and think of some specific questions that you want to ask them. Also, think of some ways that you can offer value to them, such as sharing your insights, feedback, or referrals. Be ready to listen, learn, and engage with them. Don't expect them to solve your problems, or give you all the answers. Rather, seek their guidance, perspective, and advice.
After the chat, don't forget to follow up with a thank you note, and express your appreciation for their time and wisdom. Also, let them know what you learned from them, and how you plan to apply it to your account management practice. If you want to continue the relationship, ask them if they would be open to having another chat in the future, or if they would be interested in becoming your mentor or advisor. If they agree, set some expectations and boundaries, such as the frequency, duration, and format of the interactions. If they don't, thank them again, and keep in touch with them occasionally. Either way, you have made a valuable connection, and learned something new.
I agrée but it’s not easy, you need to literally find your superHero ?? it’s hard to find someone thriving in all areas of life. Most importantly to find someone with good moral standards. With regards to the question Building a relationship is very cardinal.