Online mentoring and coaching can be a valuable way to learn new skills, get feedback, and grow your network. But how do you build trust and rapport with someone you may never meet in person? Here are some tips to help you connect and communicate effectively with online mentors and coaches.
The first step is to choose an online platform that suits your needs and preferences. There are many options available, from video calls and chat apps to online courses and communities. Consider factors such as the cost, the features, the accessibility, and the security of the platform. You also want to make sure that the platform is compatible with your mentor's or coach's preferred mode of communication. For example, if they like to share documents and slides, you may want to use a platform that allows screen sharing and file sharing.
The best perspective is one that is shared by many. Where do your niche coaches already hang out. Are they on Facebook every day or LinkedIn? Also look for strategic alliance partners - other entrepreneurs that serve the same target audience. Which platform are they on? The coach will want to serve you where you are already comfortable. Choose a platform where you can read testimonials of the coaches.
The next step is to set clear expectations with your mentor or coach. This means discussing and agreeing on the goals, the schedule, the frequency, the duration, and the format of the sessions. You also want to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party, such as who will initiate the contact, who will provide the feedback, and who will follow up on the action steps. Setting clear expectations can help you avoid misunderstandings, confusion, and disappointment. It can also help you measure your progress and evaluate your results.
Setting expectations will also allow you to determine the coaching style and whether that style will work for you. Can you already see that the expectations of the coach will be too much? or that they won't challenge you enough? Choose someone that will inspire you to play bigger AND help you get there.
The third step is to show interest and appreciation for your mentor or coach. This means asking relevant and thoughtful questions, listening actively and attentively, and giving constructive and respectful feedback. You also want to express your gratitude and recognition for their time, effort, and expertise. Showing interest and appreciation can help you build rapport and trust with your mentor or coach. It can also help you demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for learning and growing.
The fourth step is to share your challenges and successes with your mentor or coach. This means being honest and open about your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You also want to share your achievements, challenges, failures, and learnings. Sharing your challenges and successes can help you get relevant and personalized advice, support, and encouragement from your mentor or coach. It can also help you show your vulnerability and authenticity, which can foster a deeper and more meaningful connection.
The fifth step is to seek feedback and act on it. This means asking for specific, actionable, and timely feedback from your mentor or coach. You also want to implement the feedback, track your progress, and report back on the outcomes. Seeking feedback and acting on it can help you improve your skills, performance, and results. It can also help you show your respect and trust for your mentor's or coach's expertise and experience.
The sixth step is to maintain the relationship with your mentor or coach. This means staying in touch regularly, updating them on your goals and achievements, and providing them with feedback and support. You also want to look for ways to add value to them, such as sharing useful resources, introducing them to other contacts, or endorsing them on social media. Maintaining the relationship can help you sustain the benefits of online mentoring and coaching. It can also help you grow your network and create opportunities for future collaboration.
Before you do any of the following, you need to realize what you are. What is your value added? What do you offer? What is your target market and what are their greatest needs? It is only then that you can even begin to try to figure out how to communicate what it is that you have to offer.