How to Find a Mentor

You don’t have all the answers.

You don’t and you don’t have to.

Finding a mentor can be a great way to learn from someone who has the experience and knowledge that you are looking for.

When it comes to finding a mentor, whether for your professional or personal life, it’s tricky to know where to look or who to turn to.

Do you just choose anyone? How do you know who would be a good fit to fill that “mentor” role?

Well, there are a few ways to begin your process, and here are a few tips for how you can find your mentor:

Make a list of people you know or respect.

This is an easy first step and the best way is to start with people you know! Think of people in your life who have the skills and knowledge you're looking for. Reach out to them to see if they're interested in mentoring you.

Reach out to your contacts.

As mentioned in the first tip, reaching out is key. Your list is great but now it’s time to take some action! Ask your contacts and colleagues if they know anyone who could be a good mentor for you. Maybe you don’t currently know anyone who fits that role or has the expertise you’re looking for, but your friends, family, and colleagues might!

Attend networking events.

Networking events are a great way to meet potential mentors. Attend events related to your industry and introduce yourself to people who may be able to help you. Even if you don’t find a mentor, it’s a great way to grow your network and also can help with connecting you down the line with someone.

Join online groups.

Social media and online discussion groups are great ways to find potential mentors. Search for groups related to your industry and start engaging with people who might be able to help you. Two places for you to start your search are Facebook and LinkedIn!

Search for mentors online.

There are also various online platforms and websites dedicated to helping people find mentors. Do some research to see what's available in your area.

Reaching out to people in your life, network events, and online groups are all the first steps in your mentorship journey. At its core, you want to choose someone you trust and someone with a similar life framework to yours, but still someone who challenges you and will push you to succeed in your goals.

Just remember to take your time searching and be clear and honest with yourself about what you are looking for in your mentor.

P.S.

I’ve been enjoying my time as a mentor with the Women’s Economic Council of Canada. It’s been so rewarding and if you’d like to mentor female business owners, please reach out to me.