Now that you know the value of working with a mentor, how do you find one who is willing to work with you?
You might start by becoming involved in your community and trade associations. Through these groups, you may catch the eye of someone willing to provide advice that can ultimately help you make the best decisions for your business.
“The interesting thing about mentors is that in some way, they will find you,” says Jim Ruta, president of Expert Institute. “If you demonstrate interest, if you demonstrate enthusiasm and involvement, you will find that you will attract the kind of person that is impressed by that and is prepared to help you.”
However, Ruta suggests, it’s often up to the advisor to take the first step in actually asking someone to be their mentor.
Make sure you are courteous when making that request, Ruta says. Start off informally, perhaps telling the mentor that you have a tough question or situation and that you would appreciate their advice over coffee or lunch.
“Most people who get flagged as mentors would be flattered,” Ruta says, “as long as you are respectful of their time and their business.”
Some particularly strong mentorship relationships can evolve to the point where the mentor will respond to “emergency” calls and squeeze the advisor into their schedule on short notice. Many advisors, however, have a more formal relationship, in which they have a set schedule of telephone or in-person meetings.
One way is not necessarily better than the other, Ruta says. So, whether it’s a casual, short-term exchange or a more formal, long-term relationship, whatever works for the two you is what’s best.
> Aligned values
For the advisor/mentor relationship to last, both parties’ values and personalities should be aligned. Mentors and mentees often turn out to become friends.
Ruta has mentored several people during his career. He is amazed when former mentee will tell him that some advice he imparted many years ago changed the shape of the former mentee’s business — and their life.
> Mentoring is rewarding
There are many experienced professional in the industry who want to leave a legacy, Ruta says. Mentors have a significant responsibility, and ultimately want to help put their experience to good use.
“There is nothing greater that you could do than to help somebody [by providing] guidance,” he says. “I don’t think there is anything more satisfying than that.
“These are people who can give you interpretation, not information,” he continues. “They give you wisdom, not data; they give you context not content. They tell you how it applies to you and what it means to you. That level of wisdom really makes a difference.”
This is the second part in a two-part series on mentoring.
To read part one, click on Do you need a mentor.