Boldness & humility: How to find mentors.

I've benefitted from the support of some great mentors over the last few years, the advice of whom I recognise has helped guide difficult decisions and informed perspectives that have helped me move forward. As I've had more people reach out to me to mentor them, I've retrospectively assessed what makes me consider someone I work with over someone I do not. From this I've been able to draw consistencies in the way I've approached people to help me, so I thought it might be useful to share these observations in the hope those looking for mentors will find it valuable in their search.

Firstly, understand a mentor is different for everyone, but the common theme is that it is someone with experience of similar challenges who's able to pass on their experience. This might be specific to your business, or it may be an individual with greater life experience that simply see's where you are and how you might get to where you want to go. I've had a number of mentors that have never had a business, but their corporate careers have given them experience that's beneficial to guiding me as an entrepreneur. I've also had mentors who have been incredibly helpful in helping me navigate personal situations, but perhaps are entirely unrelated to my line of work. First steps, understand where you are and what you need support on, don't simply seek someone out because you think they can help you in general.

Who do you see around you that's where you want to be, or that's risen beyond a problem you're currently experiencing? Is there someone in your immediate network, or is there anyone in your network that knows you well enough, that you could ask to help your search? Seeking someone you're already connected to is much easier than reaching out to someone cold. I've found that asking to be introduced to someone, particularly when that person has a relationship or has built trust with the person, pre-qualifies the potential mentor to at least give you an opportunity to speak to them. If you are reaching out to someone you don't know, being specific as to what you're looking for and why you think this person is a good fit is key. I tend to frame such messages with "I appreciate you're incredibly busy and if you've read this far, am grateful for considering my proposition." This is a more effective approach than a presumptive "I eagerly await your reply." Typically such people are incredibly busy, and I know I am more likely to reply to someone that removes any pressure or expectation around a reply.

Think big! Typically, everyone goes for people they deem accessible, but this leaves the upper level of prospective mentors largely untapped. I've had some success in reaching out to people at the top of their game, simply by asking. It can be fairly easy to guess their email, or reach out to them on LinkedIn. Keep any message to the point, summarise who you are and set your intention, whilst adhering to the above advice of removing any pressure to respond. Follow up 2-3 times with some time in between, but be mindful to not become annoying - there's a fine line between persistence & boldness. Try to connect on interests/mission, do your research on them & have a minimal viable request e.g. 5 minute phone call.

In terms of how to work with a mentor, come prepared. I prefer someone to have 1 or 2 key concerns or problems they'd like to work through. If you're not confident you have the time or motivation to be consistent in your approach, then do not waste someone's time. There's nothing more frustrating than giving your time to someone who then decides they don't want to do the work, and this will shut on the door on any future opportunities. Understand what success looks like from the start, and be sure to share your progress with your mentor as you work, but save this for your meetings/calls. I tend to catch up with people once every 2 weeks and set KPIs within those time frames.

Mentors can be an incredible asset as you grow. I'll continue to search for new mentors, and the work I do with people as a mentor myself pays that time back. It's not always a transactional arrangement, but for those considering being a mentor to someone, I would say that in doing so myself I've remembered & learnt from my own advice, as much as I've found joy in helping someone else uncover their potential.