You’re struggling to connect with a mentor. What can you do to build a professional relationship?

1 Find the right fit

Before you reach out to a potential mentor, do some research and find out if they are a good fit for your goals, interests, and values. Look for someone who works in the field or industry you want to pursue, has the skills or experience you want to develop, and shares your vision or passion. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to search for people who match your criteria, or ask your colleagues, friends, or contacts for referrals. Don't be afraid to be selective and look for someone who can truly inspire you and challenge you.

2 Make a good impression

Once you have identified a potential mentor, you need to make a good impression and show them that you are worth their time and attention. Start by sending them a concise and personalized message, introducing yourself, explaining why you are interested in their work, and requesting a meeting or a call. Be respectful, polite, and professional, and avoid generic or spammy messages. Show that you have done your homework and that you have something to offer in return. For example, you can mention a specific project, article, or achievement of theirs that you admire, or offer to share your insights, feedback, or connections.

3 Be prepared and proactive

If you get a positive response from your potential mentor, you need to be prepared and proactive to make the most of the opportunity. Before the meeting or the call, prepare some relevant and thoughtful questions that you want to ask them, such as their career path, their challenges, their advice, or their feedback. During the meeting or the call, be attentive, curious, and respectful, and listen actively to what they have to say. After the meeting or the call, send them a thank-you note, express your appreciation, and summarize the key takeaways. Don't forget to follow up regularly and keep them updated on your progress and achievements.

5 Seek value and growth

The ultimate goal of having a mentor is to seek value and growth for yourself and your career. To achieve this, you need to be clear about your expectations, goals, and needs, and communicate them to your mentor. You also need to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn from your mentor, and apply their guidance, suggestions, and recommendations. You also need to be respectful, constructive, and collaborative, and give your mentor feedback, suggestions, and recommendations. Remember that mentoring is a two-way street, and that you can both benefit from each other's knowledge, experience, and perspective.

6 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?