From the minute we are born we are surrounded by people we learn from.

Whether it is tying our own shoelaces, learning how to argue or study, or how to run our own businesses, this is a process that never ceases - and nor should it because human beings learn best when we have someone to copy.

Many of the top business people in the world are quick to acknowledge that they wouldn’t have achieved what they have without their mentors - and note the use of the plural. As Professor Kathy Kram, author of ‘Mentoring at Work' says, "putting all your mentor eggs in one basket can be a mistake".

Why? Because people really ought to think in terms of multiple mentors instead of just one so that they have the right support and experience for whichever area of their lives they are looking for guidance right now - whether that is how to set up your own business around your family, fund your start up, or help your kids get through a messy divorce.

Following on from that then it seems logical that we should think outside of the stereotypical ‘box’ when it comes to finding the right mentor, because evidently a mentor doesn’t have to be older than you, just more experienced in whatever area you are seeking guidance.

The trick, of course, is finding the right mentor(s) for you and your current needs. So how do you do that?

1. Work out what it is you need
First work out exactly what you want to achieve or what you are dealing with right now. Only then you’ll be able to see how someone could help you.

2. Think about the past
Consider the people who have helped you in the past and see if you can identify what they had in common that you found so helpful and inspiring.

3. Think outside the box
The person you are looking for might be sitting right underneath your nose and you never realised because your idea of a mentor didn’t include them! There are three types of mentors, according to findamentor.org:

• Status Mentor: " People that have gained experienced in the same situation as me and have processed through it. They generally acknowledge themselves as my mentor in some aspect and can provide helpful insight."

• Peer Mentor: "People that are in a similar situation to me in some aspect. They have an intention to change themselves and their situation in some way, but could be almost anyone! We all have intention to change and grow. Sometimes timeframes and ideals and more may vary."

• Silent Mentor: "People that I admire, listen to, watch carefully and learn from, even though they may not be aware of it.”

4. Search, and you will find
Where you find your mentor will depend on who, and what, you are looking for. First have a look around your world, is there someone in it that you admire and who has the experience you are searching for? Even if you don’t know them personally, there will often be someone who fulfils your requirements somewhere in your vicinity.

If not, put the word out and ask people to refer you a mentor. Explain what you are looking for and why, being as specific as you can. If this doesn’t help, look at your online community – I have found many good mentors during my time as a member of Ecademy, and other small business people I know report the same think about LinkedIn. Also think about the people you network with, the people you do or have worked with, or have a look around the web - there are dedicated mentoring sites in the UK (horsesmouth.co.uk) and the US (findamentor.com), and these can be very useful.

Alternatively, browse the websites in the specific area that you seeking, and hop on to forums and read the posts or post your requirements. And if there’s a site you particularly like and you feel that the person who runs it could be the one you are looking for, then ask them! I have been asked to be a mentor by people who find me on the web, so it does work. Plus I’m happy to refer them onwards if I don’t think I can give them what they need and I know someone who might be able to help, so if you don’t get what you need the first time, that doesn’t mean you may not eventually get want as a result of a referral.

5. Cultivate the right approach
Don’t be shy to approach someone you think is the right person to be your mentor – even the most high-flying people are usually surprisingly open and approachable, and most will be flattered to be asked. It is a great honour. You just have to find the right approach so you get an opening, and this could be by befriending their PA, for example, or emailing them to ask if you could ask them a couple of questions about the secret of their success or how they coped during a specific event or time, or even getting chatting to them at a conference if they have a little time on their hands.

The main points to remember are that the busier a person is, the more to the point you have to be, and that it’s best not to ask for their help, per se, but instead ask them instead to share their experience.

 

© Claire Burdett. No content to be reproduced without written approval of the author.

Claire Burdett is the Founder and Director of Funky Angel. She is a Writer, Journalist, and Editor, Integrated Marketing Expert, and Home Business Mentor.

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