How can you effectively network to find a mentor or coach in direct sales?

Here is my take on how you can effectively network to find a mentor or coach in direct sales: - Identify your goals and challenges in direct sales - Research potential mentors or coaches who have relevant experience and expertise, the best way to network online would be LinkedIn - Reach out to them via email, social media, or phone and express your interest in learning from them - Build rapport and trust by asking thoughtful questions and showing appreciation - Follow up regularly and seek feedback and guidance

I've had a number of people ask me for advice on LinkedIn, each I've offered some time to for free. I've had others pay me for additional time over a longer period of time to work on a specific task. If someone where to ask for a mentor, I'd point them to a company like Torch which specializes in all type of professional mentors.

Effective networking for mentorship in direct sales is about making real connections. Attend events, join online forums, and engage in company training to meet experienced professionals. Approach potential mentors genuinely, expressing a sincere desire to learn from their experience. Instead of directly seeking mentorship, ask for advice, showing your commitment to growth. Be proactive and thankful for insights. Build a reciprocal relationship by offering help or sharing your experiences. Creating an authentic network naturally opens doors to mentorship in the dynamic world of direct sales.

1- Identify potential mentors from various sources, including individuals within your company, professional industry associations, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn. 2- After you've compiled a list of potential mentors, take the time to thoroughly research them. Familiarize yourself with their experiences, insights, and perspectives. Look for common ground that can serve as a basis for introducing yourself. 3- Contact potential mentors directly with a personalized message expressing your interest in learning from their experience. 4- Respect their time and offer value in return, such as assistance with projects, If no response, follow up politely without being discouraged, while also being mindful of boundaries.

As a matter of fact, I just reached out to a few contacts in my network asking for referrals. Reached out to 2-3 who are LinkedIn connections. I have also joined several communities of leaders and some are doing pro bono mentorship as they want to pay it forward.

Engagement on platforms like LinkedIn is key. If they are content creators and a sharing nuggets of information, its even better ! We will get to see, hear more of their multi faceted selves so we will know of there is a good fit moving forward.

In my mentoring I will usually start with collecting information about a person's goals. The "what" and the "why" of what a person wants is a critical 1st step. I've found some people haven't thought about this. So, if you're looking to find a mentor, start with yourself by asking what you want from this person and the time you both will spend.

After finding a mentor and discussing your goals, you should expect to get "homework." I think many people think a mentor will have magic powers that allow them to fix your problems or offer a simple solution. The reality is that anything worth getting will come at some price, and that's usually a cost of your time and attention.