Where To Approach Your Dream Mentors

Mentorship is such a buzzword. I don't go one day without hearing the word coach or mentor in a conversation which isn't a bad thing...but how are these conversations leading towards solid connections between mentees and mentors?

I was approached by a 24-year-old woman yesterday who was very frustrated with her journey toward finding a mentor. She's been told she has the it factor but has had no luck cold pitching dream mentors or DM'ing them for a response.

My advice to her is below:

1. Join professional organizations: if you're unsure about the field you want to pursue, join organizations in a variety of sectors. What's cool about GrasshoppHer is we're industry agnostic. We've found our members thrive in that setting because there is unlimited opportunity to network for professional and personal use. Another organization to consider is SCORE but GrasshoppHer is simply, better!
2. Attend conferences and events. I prefer to go to one event per week and have a goal for every event. If I walk away having no new connection but I spoke to at least one person, I feel successful. Networking is hit or miss. YOU have to show up, but no one else has to in the same way. Keep your expectations low for others but high for yourself.
3. Use social media platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to network! Make a profile as if you're hiring for the role you dream of and start pinging people who are available to be hired. You'd be surprised how many successful people are using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr because residual income is the GOAL!
4. Talk to your network. Reach out to old connects from your university, business cards you find in old wallets and to friends of friends. My favorite way to get an introduction is to ask a friend something like "By the way, we're applying to Y Combinator. If you happen to know anyone there, can you let me know for a potential introduction?"

LinkedIn family: if you want a free month of GrasshoppHer to test out what we're building, use the code FREEMONTH here.

Stay fearless or die trying,

Alexa