How can you use your existing network to find a mentor and level up your personal brand?

I just recently cold emailed a CEO I admire, and was honest about just wanting to connect because I looked up to him. It was awkward to type but wonderful to say out loud as we're meeting in January. Put yourself out there.

My playbook on how I built a network of mentors with zero previous tech experience when I started: 1. Join a community with members at various career stages 1-2 and 3-5 years ahead of where you want to be. Focus here, not 7 - 10 years ahead to start. 2. Read intros in the welcome channel, identify who you want to connect with 3. Send a LinkedIn connect mentioning their superpower, ask for a tactical coffee chat (short, specific, come prepared). 4. Ask them if they'd be against you texting with the results you drove from their advice. 5. Execute. Tell them the results. Stay in touch, celebrate their milestones, build a real relationship. Bond over common ground (follow their social content). You'll naturally build mentors this way.

The ideal mentor should be a MIRROR reflecting your potential and gaps, guided by your personal brand ideals. The mentors role transcends just imparting skills, it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. Alignment a mentor with your brand vision ensures that the mentorship not only hones specific skills but also resonates with your core values and long-term aspirations. It's about finding someone who doesn't just teach you what they know, but who inspires and challenges you to become the best version of yourself (in harmony with your personal brand).

To find a good mentor among the people you know, think about what you want to achieve and look for someone who has the skills or knowledge you need. Check if they share your values and have time to help you. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to them. Try to find mentors with different perspectives. You can meet potential mentors at events or online on platforms like LinkedIn. When you find someone, let them know you're interested, and be thankful for their time. Having a mentor can really help you grow and improve your personal brand.

It's okay to try to find somewhat of an idol that inspires you! Learn from them and if they fire up your passion, you're in yhe right spot. Consider who has "done it before you" and follow in their footsteps. To further identify your ideal, make sure you try to find their content in multiple formats. Then get intentional with the questions you want to ask them.

The right mentor will play a key role in your brand's ecosystem. They become part of the dream team. You’ll find your network has a diverse range of potential mentors, many of whom inherently understand your brand and its trajectory. Leveraging tools like LinkedIn for this search will save you plenty of time. Prioritise the potential mentors by relevance, availability, and rapport - be strategic and deliberate in your approach. Don’t just ask random people in impressive positions. Ultimately, the mentor you choose will not just guide your career but also shape the narrative of your personal brand.

To map your network, first, list the people you know—friends, family, colleagues. Sort them into groups based on how you know them, like work friends or family. Draw a simple diagram or use a tool to show how these people are connected to each other. Note how strong your connection is with each person. Include both work and personal connections. Update your map when you make new connections. This visual map helps you see your network clearly and find opportunities for collaboration or growth.

Here's my mapping strategy: Start by making a list of all the people you know and how you know them. Next, add more information about each person, such as their interests, expertise, and how often you communicate with them. Once you have this information, you can start to see patterns in your network and identify ways to strengthen your connections. You can also use this information to identify opportunities to meet new people and expand your network.

Effectively mapping your network is crucial for mentorship. For instance, in tech, connecting with industry leaders via LinkedIn can unearth mentors who've navigated similar career challenges. By identifying potential candidates strategically, you ensure a mentorship that aligns with your goals, fostering meaningful professional development.

When I was looking for a counselor I was active in the pursuit. I wasn’t waiting passively for people to reach out as I knew successful people were busy making an impact, not showing up on a strangers doorstep. That meant attending networking events, growing an online present and connecting with new people who were established in the space I was interested in, asking my current network for referrals and connections.

Those who are the highest achievers are often the most generous with their time, counsel, support. But they know they have limited bandwidth so unfortunately need to be selective about who they pour and sow into. It’s important to make a case letting a prospective advisor know why you’re reaching out, how you think they could help you, and why you would be worth the investment. And it’s not a one and done deal. Continuing to make a case, demonstrating your appreciation through implementation, and actively pursuing them is on you, the mentee.

Intentional networking is the only way to be respectful in this day and age when digital channels allow you to almost meet anyone. I always say that I will take a call or meeting with anyone as long as they are honest with their intent. Don't simply email or reach out to someone and say you want to pick their brain or would love to buy them a cup of coffee. Allow them to assess the true situation and to come prepared so there is value to the meeting!

I guess my mentor networks are quite developed but there is always room for more. I always hop on the front foot and reach out. Just message or start commenting. I would always be happy if somebody reached out to me and asked for some coaching or mentorship. It is something I will be developing further. People need to reach out and take the first step. Just engage. DM or comment.

Flattery will get you far. Recognize the power of genuine compliments, focusing on your prospective mentors core values. Everyone begins at zero in life. However, avoid a hard sell; approach interactions with curiosity and identify shared interests or connections, like alumni relationships. For example, if both interested in Robotics, Sciences, or Food, use that common ground. Then ask for a single piece of wisdom that guided them. Gradually, move towards more significant requests. Embrace the uncertainty of reaching out; it’s part of the process. Remember the formula: A, C, A – Acknowledge, Compliment, Ask. This fosters authentic connections, opening doors to mentorship opportunities while elevating your personal brand.

Most people are inclined to help, but not someone who sends out an empty invite on LinkedIn (Facebook, X, Insta, whatever.) in your initial communication / invitation to connect, set out clearly who you are, why you woul duike to connect (mention learn ;-) ), and how a connection could be mutual beneficial.

When you follow up, be sure to reference your previous conversation (if any) and don't forget to thank the person for their time.

Follow-up and follow-through are the bedrock of successful networking and mentorship. For instance, after identifying potential mentors, sending a personalized LinkedIn message expressing your admiration and interest initiates the connection. However, consistent communication is key. Regularly update them on your progress and seek guidance. By demonstrating your commitment to the relationship, you solidify trust and enhance the mentorship experience, making it a mutually beneficial partnership.

Being good for your word, accountable, and coachable are all things most mentors look for in those they take under their wing. So be respectful of their time, show up early and be present, and get back to them quickly to demonstrate your appreciation.

To follow up and follow through, start by clearly stating what you'll do after a conversation or meeting. Use calendar reminders to help you remember important dates. Send a thank-you email after interactions, summarizing what was discussed and any action items. Regularly check in with your connections through emails, messages, or calls, and be sure to acknowledge their achievements. Keep a record of your commitments, and ask for feedback on your communication style to make sure you're meeting your connections' preferences. Being proactive and consistent in your follow-ups helps build and maintain strong relationships.

Asking busy people to support you when they don't even know you is usually ineffective and risky. Why should they invest their time in someone they have never seen or heard of? So try to warm up potential mentors/sponsors by following them on LinkedIn, reading and commenting on their posts. Or if they work in your company, find out what project they're working on and contribute to its success. Create value for them first. This will give you visibility with that person. And once you've warmed them up, it will be an easy and logical next step to ask them to be your mentor/sponsor. And then: just ask. As if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Nurturing the mentorship relationship is paramount. It's akin to tending to a professional garden—regular attention yields growth. Take the initiative to schedule periodic check-ins, seek advice, and share successes or challenges. By showing gratitude and actively participating in the mentorship, you not only fortify the bond but also make the collaboration more fulfilling for both parties. Remember, a thriving mentorship is a continuous, reciprocal investment.

You would nurture a relationship with a potential mentor like any other in business. Transparency, especially early on, is essential for the mentor-mentee dynamic to work. In the absence of honest, open communication, growth is unattainable. I have benefited from many mentors, some guiding me from afar. These relationships developed organically; I did not vet them as I would, say, a prospect for my services. Together, we arrive at a point of comfort and safety where I feel I can go deep. When the time is right, I will let those who have positively impacted me and my brand know how grateful I am. If I am doing the mentoring—and I do quite a bit—I hope to receive that same gift of feedback from those on the receiving end.

The power of networking allows you to co-create and have different points of view to provide innovative solutions and create a collaboration mindset.

Having somebody who can provide you with unfiltered advice and suggestions is a blessing! When building your personal brand, seek out individuals a step or two ahead of you and reach out. Ask them questions, build relationships, and this way, you can find a mentor in your community that can help you grow.

Start randomly sending LinkedIn invites with messages like, "Hey, let's connect and exchange existential crises over virtual coffee." Trust me, nothing says 'mentor material' like a shared sense of impending doom. Then, unleash a series of cryptic tweets that'll make people question if you're a genius or just had too much coffee. Your mentor will spot these tweets, recognize your potential, and reach out, saying, "I have been searching for someone as perplexingly brilliant as you. Let's grab virtual coffee and discuss the secrets of the universe."

Here are some useful tips; - Identify your ideal mentor. - Map your network. - Reach out with a purpose. - Follow up and follow through. - Ask for mentorship. - Nurture the relationship.

Leveraging your existing network to find a mentor involves clear goals and respectful outreach. Identify your objectives and potential mentors in your circle. Approach them with a specific request for guidance, highlighting mutual interests or experiences. Offer value in return, such as sharing your unique insights or assisting in their projects. This reciprocal approach fosters a mentorship based on mutual respect and shared growth, amplifying your personal brand through learned wisdom and expanded networks. Remember, effective mentorship is about building a relationship, not just gaining advice.

While it’s great to have a mentor, my personal approach is to take inspiration from lots of people around me. What do I like that they’re doing? Is this relevant for me? Taking inspiration from lots of people around me instead of having only one mentor allows me to create a personal brand that is authentic and matches who I am as an individual which in turn allows me to better connect with my audience