How to find the right mentor for you

A mentor can be a great source of industry knowledge for anybody looking to grow their career or business. They tend to have numerous connections that can be useful, and they can help you to look at things with fresh eyes, along with giving advice that worked for them when they were in your position.

They can stop you from getting bogged down by things that don’t really matter, and keep you focused on what is important. A mentor can be amazing for your progress, but how do you find one?

Define your purpose

If you’re going to find a mentor, then you need to start by defining your purpose. Would you like guidance on a specific project or somebody to talk industry trends with?

You should know exactly what you want before you start your search.

Start off the process slow

Don’t hop right in and ask somebody you’ve just met to be your mentor. You could ask for input on a smaller project to ensure they are a right fit for you instead.

You can pay attention to the way you interact with one another and ensure you’re going to get along. If you think you’ve found the one, you can then see if they would be interested in working with you in the future.

Keep trying if one person declines

Remember, they can say no. Being asked to mentor somebody can be flattering, sure, but you have to consider their own busy schedule. They simply may not have time to mentor you.

If they say no, try to find somebody else. In the meantime, you could find people you admire online and research them. For example, there are many successful people who make YouTube videos who can help you, and you might even find other things inspiring, like when Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi wins an Arabian business award.

Look at examples who you look up to

It’s a good idea to look at people you want to be like in the future. If they have what you want and they have been where you are, they will more than likely be able to get you to where you want to be.

Having multiple mentors is common

It’s totally okay to have multiple mentors. One person may have a lot of knowledge on a particular subject, but may not be able to help you on something else you need to know about. If you’re lucky enough to be able to do so, explore your options and see if you can get help from multiple people.

Once you have found the right mentor and you have been working with them, make sure you show your gratitude. Make it known how much you appreciate their help and the impact that they are having on your development/business.

They will like hearing about how they have helped you in the real world. How will you find your mentor?