How do you get guidance and support from mentors and sponsors?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you start looking for mentors and sponsors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of help you need. Think about your short-term and long-term career goals, your strengths and weaknesses, your challenges and opportunities, and your values and passions. Then, identify the specific areas where you need guidance, feedback, support, or exposure. For example, you might need advice on how to navigate a career transition, feedback on how to improve your skills, support for a project or initiative, or exposure to potential employers or clients.

2 Find potential mentors and sponsors

Once you have a clear idea of your goals and needs, you can start looking for potential mentors and sponsors who can help you. Mentors are usually experienced professionals who can share their insights, wisdom, and lessons learned with you. Sponsors are usually senior leaders who can advocate for your advancement, endorse your achievements, and open doors for you. You can find potential mentors and sponsors within your organization, your industry, your network, or your community. You can also use online platforms, events, programs, or associations that connect professionals with similar interests or backgrounds.

3 Reach out and build rapport

After you identify potential mentors and sponsors, you need to reach out to them and build rapport. You can start by sending a brief and respectful email or message that introduces yourself, expresses your interest in their work or expertise, and requests a meeting or a conversation. You can also use a mutual contact, a referral, or a common interest to break the ice and establish a connection. When you meet or talk with them, be prepared to share your goals, needs, challenges, and achievements, and to ask relevant and thoughtful questions. Also, be respectful of their time, expectations, and boundaries, and show appreciation for their willingness to help.

4 Maintain and deepen the relationship

Once you establish a relationship with a mentor or a sponsor, you need to maintain and deepen it over time. You can do this by setting regular meetings or check-ins, following up on their advice or suggestions, updating them on your progress or achievements, seeking their feedback or input, and offering your help or support when possible. You can also use social media, email, or phone to stay in touch and share useful information, resources, or opportunities. Moreover, you can show gratitude and recognition for their guidance and support by thanking them, acknowledging them, or giving them positive feedback.

5 Learn and grow from the relationship

The ultimate goal of having a mentor or a sponsor is to learn and grow from the relationship. You can do this by applying their advice or feedback to your work or career, taking advantage of the opportunities or connections they provide, and challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone and reach your potential. You can also reflect on the lessons learned, the skills developed, the achievements accomplished, and the challenges overcome as a result of the relationship. Furthermore, you can seek feedback from your mentor or sponsor on how to improve your performance, your communication, your leadership, or your network.

6 Pay it forward

Finally, having a mentor or a sponsor is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. You have the opportunity to pay it forward by becoming a mentor or a sponsor yourself to someone else who needs your guidance or support. You can use your experience, knowledge, network, and influence to help others achieve their goals, overcome their challenges, and advance their careers. You can also share your insights, wisdom, and lessons learned with others who can benefit from them. By paying it forward, you can contribute to the growth and development of your profession, your industry, your community, and yourself.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?