How to Find an Exceptional Mentor

Richard Horowitz

Mentors are often difficult to come by, especially ones thatcan do such great things for your career. Luckily, this step-

by-step guide can help you find the right mentor for you:

Step #1: ChooseSomeone You Admire

When determining prospects fora mentor, keep your sightsrealistic. If you don’t have

access to leaders in yourindustry, find someone you canrealistically get in touch with

that could provide you somevalue. This might simply be a

manager at work or someone inyour field that you respect.

Step #2: Find What Value You Offer

As much as potential mentors would like to help others succeed, not everyone iswilling to dedicate time to someone who can do nothing for them in return. When

you enter into a mentorship, it is understood that the mentor has much morevaluable information, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to share.

Step #3: Ask for Something Small

A great way to begin is to ask foradvice or a recommendation. Keep

your questions intelligent and don’tlet yourself appear clueless. Refrain

from asking general advicequestions. You’ll be better off if you

give some suggestions and askingwhich they would recommend, such astheir opinion on a certain decision.If you back up your side with researchand show that you fully understand,

they will be more inclined to respond.

Step #4: Keep in Touch

If you get a response, be sureto keep in touch and let them

know how the decisioninfluenced your life or

career. This shows that youtook their advice, applied it,and were able to find value.

Getting the right mentor can really help to boost your career, but you will need totry a few times to get connected with the right individual. Take these steps and

continue to apply them until you find a relationship to suit your needs.