Are you ready to double the rate of your business’s success? Believe it or not one of the best ways to do so is through mentorship. Having a mentor can forever transform both you and your brand in ways such as leading to great career successes (hello promotion!) and even having better employee engagement within your organization. We believe in the power of mentorship here at Border Free Media as we have had our own mentorship success stories.

So you want to find a mentor? That’s great! For more on how to find the right mentor be sure to check out workingWELL podcast episode #9.

SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL MENTORSHIP

But, before you actually go about finding the right mentor, In order to help you get there we’ve created a checklist. Here’s everything you need to have before you even have a call — or a coffee — with a potential mentor.

  • Get organized
    • Update your resume and portfolio
    • Brainstorm and prioritize questions you have for your meeting
  • Research the person you are meeting with
  • Be upfront with your intentions
    • Make sure it is clear that you are there to gain valuable information and constructive feedback
  • Set specific goals in your meeting
    • Identify exactly why you want to meet with a mentor in the first place
    • Write down three things you wish to hget out of your mentorship meeting
  • Be clear on what you need help with
    • Make sure you ask specific questions that tie into the goals you have set for your meeting

When you finally set up a meeting with your mentor, you want to treat it like any business relationship — with respect. Do your best to show your mentor why they should continue to work with you going forward.

Here’s a checklist to keep in mind when you’re meeting your mentor and how to follow up with them after your meeting:

ETIQUETTE WHEN MEETING YOUR POTENTIAL MENTOR

  • Arrive early because time is valuable
  • Bring a copy of your resume that is updated
  • Steer clear of trying to mine your potential mentors network
  • Be ready for constructive criticism
  • They are there to help you grow by suggesting ways you can alter your business model
  • Try to offer something in return
  • Foot the bill
  • Send a handwritten note or an email thank you note within 24 hours of your meeting

WORKING WITH YOUR MENTOR

After you have met with and established a relationship with your mentor, it is time to hit the ground running! In order to maintain a solid relationship with your mentor going forward make sure you implement the following:

  • Accept advice and be ready to implement it.
  • Remember: your mentor is there to help you.
  • Don’t expect your mentor to have all of the answers
  • Be ready to do the hard work
  • A mentor cannot make major changes for you. They are there to guide you, not hold your hand.

As you can see, having a mentor requires work on both ends. First impressions are everything and can really set the tone for what kind of relationship you will potentially have with a business mentor. Following these easy steps can make your relationship begin on the right foot. This is one of the best investments you can make in your business success. For more on finding the right mentor for you, make sure to check out the latest episode of workingWELL. Best of luck and happy mentoring!

APPLY FOR BFM MENTORSHIP