How can you prepare for a meeting with a mentor?

1 Know your purpose

Before you reach out to a potential mentor, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the relationship. Are you looking for guidance on a specific project, career transition, or skill development? Do you want to explore new opportunities or industries? Do you need advice on how to overcome a challenge or improve your performance? Having a specific purpose will help you find the right mentor, craft a compelling message, and set realistic expectations.

3 Plan your agenda

To make the most of your meeting time, you should plan your agenda in advance. You can use the SMART framework to define your goals, actions, and outcomes for the meeting. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, your goal could be to get feedback on your portfolio, your action could be to share your work and ask for suggestions, and your outcome could be to improve your personal brand. You should also prioritize your topics and questions, and allocate enough time for each one. You can share your agenda with your mentor before the meeting to get their input and approval.

4 Prepare your materials

Depending on the purpose and format of your meeting, you may need to prepare some materials to showcase your work, skills, or achievements. For example, you may need to update your resume, portfolio, website, or social media profiles. You may also need to prepare some samples, examples, or case studies that demonstrate your value and potential. You should make sure that your materials are clear, concise, and professional, and that they align with your personal brand and goals. You should also have a backup plan in case of technical issues or interruptions.

5 Practice your pitch

One of the most important aspects of meeting with a mentor is to introduce yourself and your purpose in a confident and compelling way. You should practice your pitch before the meeting, and make sure that it covers the following points: who you are, what you do, what you want, and why you chose them as a mentor. You should also tailor your pitch to your mentor's style and expectations, and avoid sounding too formal or casual. You should aim to create a rapport and a connection with your mentor, and show that you are enthusiastic, curious, and respectful.

6 Follow up and follow through

After the meeting, you should send a thank-you note to your mentor, and express your appreciation for their time, advice, and support. You should also summarize the key takeaways, action items, and next steps from the meeting, and ask for their feedback or suggestions. You should also follow through on your commitments, and update your mentor on your progress and results. This will show that you are serious, responsible, and proactive, and that you value their mentorship. You should also keep in touch with your mentor, and seek their guidance or input when needed.

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?