How can people of color find a mentor in social media?

Finding mentors is crucial for personal and professional development. While direct relationships are valuable, distant mentors, like Michelle Obama, can also be influential. Learning from them through books and events contributes to growth. Self-awareness is essential; aligning values with a mentor prevents mismatches. Authenticity is key in the search—knowing oneself, beliefs, values, and purpose aids in finding a mentor who truly complements personal development.

Conducting periodic self googling is essential to monitor your online presence. When seeking mentors, explore diverse sources such as social media, your workplace, or your community. It's not just about finding a mentor; it's about finding a right match. Ensure that your values, style, and aspirations align to avoid mismatches that can hinder the experience. A step I've found helpful is taking the 16 personalities test with prospective mentors. This not only provides insight into their personality but also helps assess compatibility. Whether you share similar traits or complement each other as opposites, understanding the dynamics of your potential mentor's personality can contribute to the success and effectiveness of the relationship.

Comment positively, repost, like and share their post. Make them notice you in a positive way before sending an in-box or email. This can make them reach out to you first.

Sharing my experience: A savvy LinkedIn approach I received (and I too follow it now ??) when someone strategically followed me and viewed my profile quite a few times before any interaction, showcasing their dedication. They then contributed a well-researched, logical argument to a comment I posted, initiating a meaningful conversation. They seamlessly transitioned to personal chat with more insights and a skillful self-introduction and clear intent requesting a consultation. I was compelled but was happy to help. The takeaway is that mentors are more likely to invest in providing meaningful guidance when they see a genuine willingness to receive and value their advice. Proving your commitment increases the chances of mentorship success.

What I found helpful is to document your communication with potential Mentor so that when you make follow up you have records of that the mentor helped you with or the type of advice given on that informal or formal session. You can also send that mentor what was discussed and the action the mentor suggested should be taken. By doing so you will motivate the mentor to be willing to see you more often as one can see your commitment and valuing of the mentor's time. If there are tasks to be performed, stick to the deadlines and deliver on those tasks. Mentors are always proud of mentees who show commitment.

In my experience, as a person of color, in media, who understands the importance of mentorship, actively engaging in industry events, online forums, and networking groups while showcasing my skills to attract mentors has been helpful. Reaching out to established professionals, expressing genuine interest, and being specific about the goals I set for meaningful mentorship opportunities have also been key. Aside from that, consider learning from industry leaders at a distance through books, blogs, and their brands. Studying the work of established authorities can provide valuable insights, serving as a form of virtual mentorship and enhancing skills in social media marketing. #iAmAndreHill #Mentorship #SocialMedia #MentorsOfColor

Networking Groups: ? ?? Search: Look for industry-specific groups or forums on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. ? ?? Join: Become a member of these groups to connect with like-minded professionals. ? ??? Participate: Actively engage in discussions, offer insights, and ask questions. ? ?? Network: Build relationships with group members, including potential mentors. Joining and actively participating in these groups increases your visibility and chances of finding a suitable mentor.