A mentor can help you in any stage of your career but how and where to find the right one? Whether you are looking for an expert in a specific area or someone open to share general advice on how to succeed in business, there are many possibilities. You can start by choosing a person you admire and trying to reach her.
Ideal opportunity can be conferences your potential mentors speak at. However, before you go to the conference, be prepared. Find out as much information about the topic as possible so that you could ask meaningful questions at the end of the speech. If possible, follow the started discussion by meeting your potencial mentor after his speech. Confirm the new contact by connecting your profiles on social networks.
If you want to reach potential mentors via the Internet, search for people who are actively working with blogs and social networks. The more active they are on the Internet the higher is your chance that they will become your mentors - at least virtually. When you find an inspiring personality in your industry, sign up to receive news from his or her website and learn more about him or her by reading the posts. To engage their attention, offer some value. Answer the questions that they ask their readers, recommended solutions based on your experience, take part in contests and the like. Do not be discouraged by initial lack of interest.
Besides the personalities in your field, do not forget to try finding a mentor within your family and friends. Even if they did not know how to deal with something you have to solve in your work, they may know someone else.
Once you manage to get a mentor, be open to organize your meetings. In practice that means that you can meet anytime and anywhere. Whn both of you, for example, have to go to the airport, why not to meet for a chat in the lounge before you fly to different directions and then continue the started debate by e-mail. Spontaneous meetings are often more beneficial than meetings prepared far in advance.
-kk-