In most arenas of business and entrepreneurship, one of the most beneficial people in your life is your mentor. A common misconception of entrepreneurs is that they’re all independent, lone wolves. But as shows such as Shark Tank prove, people are looking for an experienced businessperson to share wisdom. Even non-entrepreneurs can use a little mentorship on their career path. The only problem is that no one teaches you how to find a mentor or what to say when you find a likely candidate. Mentor-mentee relationships don’t appear out of thin air, so building this partnership takes work. On Bold TV, David Grasso and Julia Sun discuss how to ask someone to be your mentor.
The steps to finding your mentor
- Decide what you want. If you want a career boost, you have to be more specific. Do you want to be a more effective communicator? Are you aiming for a specific promotion in your job? Be clear and direct.
- Reach out to your potential candidate. Find a time that works for them, so they’re engaged in the conversation. Take them to coffee or lunch. Schedule a meeting at your workplace. Even meet virtually.
- You don’t have to straight ask “Will you be my mentor?” Just be clear on what you’re seeking and how you think they can guide you.
- Be especially respectful. Honor their time, thank them for meeting with you, and ensure that you’re willing to follow through.
Don’t be afraid of rejection
Grasso says that in most cases, your potential mentor will be happy to help you. Odds are they have a key person in their life that guided their journey, and they like to pay it forward. Remember that you don’t have to be formal and stiff. Sometimes your mentor may not claim the official title, but they can still impact your life even if they just consider you “friend.”
