The first mentor you need is yourself. Self-mentorship entails the discipline, consistency, and self-belief you possess. For me, this kind of mentorship never ends and remains a driving force throughout our careers.
Another form of mentorship is seeking guidance from industry leaders. Working under the tutelage of an expert will enhance our skills due to the continuous monitoring, wealth of experience, feedback, and more that we receive from them. This way, we have someone we can ask questions of, share ideas with, and support us. Mentorships like this might be challenging to find because you need to be strategic in attracting such individuals into your life. Therefore, when you finally reach out to them, you must convey your passion and willingness to learn, as they are often pressed for time. How you approach them determines their response to your mentorship requests. Some of us today receive mentorship from people outside our geographic area, leveraging social media to connect with mentors.
Thanks to technology, we now have one-day mentorship opportunities. Companies like Adplist are championing the quest to link people with leaders who can provide advice through scheduled meetings. It is through these sessions that we gain access to diverse perspectives and can learn from individuals of different backgrounds.
Next, we have mentorships related to webinars. All you have to do is keep an eye out for events or search for events on platforms like Eventbrite to find topics related to what you want to learn or speakers you want to learn from. Registering for such events is advisable because sometimes they share personal information that can be used for further contact. During the Q&A session, you can simply use the event to ask your questions and receive answers.
Finally, when you reach out to people, be respectful, and consider going online to research how to send messages to potential mentors effectively. It’s also important to have a clear purpose because sometimes they want to know why you reached out to them and where you currently stand in your career. If they decline due to lack of time, do not be discouraged. It might be that they are very busy and may not have as much time to spare as they would like due to their tight schedule.
In conclusion, always prioritize what is best for you. Your journey is different from someone else’s; stay consistent and appreciate your unique path. Have a wonderful week ahead.