When we talked about mentorship last time, we focused on why one should pursue mentors and networking. While it is advisable for everyone to follow a similar path, it does come at your discretion – whether you want to engage or not. I am an introvert by nature and somehow following the steps to HR is a question that not only a lot of people but I myself still have to find an answer to. It is something that I have accepted and created a personality beyond it.
Mentorship is a skill. From knowing what you are seeking to approach one to finding one to maintaining that relationship. Every aspect of that is a skill, is an art that if not approached the right way, can lead you to a dead end. In this note to self, we will follow a 5-pointer method to the approach, in that order.
Why am I looking for a mentor?
The very first obstacles and clarity come from within you. You need to cross that. As a professional, you need to understand the value that you may or may not derive from this exercise. If you are just experimenting, give yourself some time before you start approaching. Don’t waste anyone’s time while you are trying to figure out the answer yourself.
What do I seek from this?
Once you are sure that this is the way for you, make sure you jot down your pros in numbers and deadlines. A goal is a dream with a deadline. If there’s no data, no deadlines, no dates, no list, no numbers, you’re in a perpetual disarray. While you may think you know what you want but in the chatter, you’ll forget all of it. That will not only create confusion within you but also start to show off in every other conversation you have.
Whom do I search for and where?
This can be answered by going through your goals that you have set for yourself. When you made a list on what are you expecting out of this mentorship, it will get easier to find leaders in the space. Nowadays, LinkedIn has become a global hub of leaders from across the nations and oceans. You can find almost anyone and send out a connection request. If you don’t know where to start, look for speakers in conferences and meetups. If you are looking for Social Media Marketing, for example, you can go a few ways – (1) Target people from brands whose social media is a party. Say – Zomato / Indigo / Swiggy. Companies like these continue to show the impact the right social media strategy can have on customers. (2) If you don’t know companies, look for speakers in similar marketing events and conferences and then track them down on LinkedIn. Those are a few of the approaches you can use in your respective field to get results.
How do I approach a leader?
Please remember that whoever you have sent your message to, will read it. Whether they respond to it, will depend on a lot of factors – some may be under your control and may not. Your choice of words, your story, your line of communication will impact your chances even before you get a call to re-do it all over again. Here are some examples from Muse and Yale that you can access to know the format of your letter / email / note.
How do I maintain the relationship?
You’ll find some amazing people who are kind enough to spare the time for you and help you to go through some of the key aspects of their career and how you can take inspiration from them. When you have taken someone’s time and effort, remember to update them with your progress and how their advice have shaped up your learning curve. If it was important to them to respond to your initial query, it will be more important to them to see you progress.
Remember, not everyone will respond to you the way you want them to. And at the same time, you may find inspiration and responses from where the expectations weren’t high. Take the results – positive or otherwise – and add it to your note to self! Good Luck.
