How to Find the Right Mentor in 6 Thoughtful Steps
Having a mentor in your life could mean saving loads of time, heartache and resources on growing a business. Mentors can compress decades of wisdom and experience into a handful of conversations.
I recently interviewed Cameron Herold, known around the world as the “CEO Whisperer”, about his experience with mentorship. He told me story about mentoring a young man named Connor Blakely.
Connor had seen Cameron’s Ted Talk on “Raising Youth as Entrepreneurs”. He decided (as a teenager) that he needed the right mentor, and that Cameron and GaryVee were the two he wanted. Eventually a relentless, but thoughtful Connor was able to build a relationship with both Cameron and Gary. Those relationships opened doors, created meaningful connections and helped him build a wildly successful speaking and consulting business. Connor is now a sought after by large organizations for his expertise on marketing to Gen Z.
Boom. Mic drop.
Isn’t it cool what can happen when you have the right mentors?
You may be asking, “How do I find the right mentor for me?” Here’s what Cameron told me:
Step 1. Write down a list of the 10 business skills, and 10 personal skills you’d like to improve.
Seems self-explanatory, right? You could also separate the two lists as 1) core competencies my organization must have and 2) personal competencies I’d like to improve.
Example of business skills: public speaking, asking great questions, identifying problems not symptoms, planning, closing sales, attracting and retaining talent, interviewing, strong and unique messaging.
Example of personal skills: leadership, patience with my kids, scuba diving, yoga, air guitar.
Step 2. Identify the qualities you’re looking to model in an organization.
Think about the type of business you’re looking to create or pivot to. Is premium pricing important? What about outstanding customer service? Thinking about these qualities helps you brainstorm A) what qualities you’d like to emulate and B) companies that you could model after.
Example: I’m looking to model an organization with great marketing, solid training programs, a focus on retail expansion and premium price points.
Step 3. Identify the brands (organizations) that emulate the business you are looking to build.
Considering the answer above, Starbucks has great retail expansion, awesome marketing, solid training programs and premium price points. If these things are important to you then finding someone inside Starbucks would be a great mentor since they align with the outcomes you’re looking to create.
Example: Starbucks, Amazon, Zappos
Step 4. Identify 3 people that seems like a good match to mentor you.
Search online for the organization charts for the companies you listed previously. Identify 3 people that seems like a good match to mentor you based on their job title and job description.
Step 5. Contact the people in your network, asking if anyone knows the 3 people you’ve identified.
Getting a warm introduction from someone who knows you, and who your potential mentor trusts is only going to help your odds of success. Leveraging the relationships you have is key, whenever possible.
Step 6. Email your potential mentor letting them know you only want 4 minutes of their time.
Chances are, the person you’re reaching out to gets many requests to be a mentor. Mentors are typically more willing to help people who show promise, initiative, and grit.
Remember, be respectful of their time. Here’s an example of what you could say in an email:
Subject: Looking for 4 Minutes of Your Time, You’re 1of 3 People I’m Asking
Hi [Name of Mentor],
I’m [Your Name]. I’ve identified 3 people who could be a great mentor for me and you are one of them.
The reason why I’d love for you to mentor me is because you [insert why] and because your company [insert why].
I’m looking for 4 minutes of your time.
I’ve got a document I can email you that has the top 10 area in business, and the top 10 areas personally that I’m looking to be mentored in. If I could walk you through that it will only take a few minutes.
Are you open to a 4 minute call?
Happily,
[Your Name]
Have A Little Fun With It
I believe life is meant to be enjoyed. As entrepreneurs we can be so hard on ourselves. Be creative and have fun with this exercise. It’s ok that people say no to mentoring you. A no is simply information. It may be that person is very busy with their personal or business life. It took Connor Blakely more than 6 time to convince Cameron to mentor him.
Who could you get to mentor you? I’d love to hear what happens when you put this to the test. Nothing is impossible.
IG: Natalee Champlin
Facebook: @Natalee Allen Champlin
Twitter: @momtrepeneurist
