Coming to the realisation that you need the help of a mentor to scale your business is a great achievement on its own. This is because understanding that you need help is the first step to progress. You can’t reach out to get help unless you believe that you need it.
The thought of reaching out to a genius in your industry to become your mentor can make you feel creepy, obviously, because you don’t know what their reply is likely to be.
Well, if the aforementioned is your case, then this article is for you. We have outlined proven ways to reach out to your prospective mentor and get them to mentor you.
Be clear on what you want
People are busy; so, if they are going to be giving you a piece of their time, you have to make it count. You have to be aware of what you want from them and the way you think their help will contribute to your growth.
You don’t just approach people and ask them to mentor you; you have to state your areas of strength and weakness, so that they will know where to start making impact.
When you know your needs, it is much easier to communicate with your mentor about them. So, never approach a prospective mentor without first knowing what it is exactly that you want them to help you with.
Ensure you are reaching out to the right person
“It is he that wears the shoe that knows where it hurts most,” says an adage. Now that you know your needs, do proper research on the person you want to reach out to, understand their career background, and see what possible areas that you see them affecting and influencing you.
Have detailed knowledge about them. Read their articles and books, if any. See what they have done and how they have been able to affect the industry you are seeking a career in.
Organise questions you would like to ask on your first meeting
Mention some of the reasons you want, and would appreciate, their mentorship, highlighting their goals that match your aspirations that make them your best option for an ideal mentor.
Make them see your willingness to do all the necessary work that will make your journey with them a fruitful and successful one.
Express willingness to serve them
One of the things that easily attract mentors is your willingness to serve them too. A prospective mentor to whom you render services will feel indebted to you and as such will give you the desired attention as and when due because you have proven to be an asset, and not a liability, to them.
Always be thankful
Showing gratitude for the little time they spend with you is another way of getting your mentor to stick and get more committed to the relationship.
