Find a Mentor Through Your Networks (Part 2): What to Consider When Choosing Yours

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Selecting an ideal mentor isn’t necessarily easy. It’s a big decision to make! And you must review different factors when choosing yours.

In Part 1 of our Find a Mentor Through Your Networks series, you learned about the benefits of a mentorship.

Now it’s time to consider who could be the right mentor for you.

What Makes a Great Mentor Contender?

The person you select to collaborate with should be someone you admire and aspire to be.

They must be a positive influence and help you set realistic goals—and then guide and encourage you to meet those objectives. Especially when it comes to your career success.

Start by assessing those within your spheres of influence. You may already have a person in mind. Or know someone who can facilitate the right introduction. Begin with who you know! And take advantage of your current pool of resources and connections you presently have access to.

Ask anyone you want. A colleague, college friend, or maybe a former boss. It’s really up to you to decide who to partner with.

What Should You Consider When Selecting Yours?

There are various aspects to keep in mind when choosing your mentor. They should possess certain traits and characteristics. And they need to be someone you can count on and work closely with.

Consider the following when choosing an ideal mentor for you:

  • Identify those in your networks who are successful in their own lives and professional career, and actually enjoy what they do. They should be willing to provide motivation for you to accomplish the same. Keep in mind we all define success differently! Personally, I define it as living a life by design, not by default. 
  • Consider someone who is trustworthy and will have a genuine vested interest in helping you. A strong connection is built on trust. And you want to be sure they’re capable of supporting you in achieving your own success, and in praising you when you get there.
  • Select an individual who will advise you on making effective decisions by utilizing their own experiences. But ensure they’ll let you make your own choices as well—and challenge you too! You want this person to guide you, but also let you gain personal perspectives along the way.
  • Decide on someone who will help you establish—and motivate you to follow—an effective plan to reach your goals. You should be compatible and able to collaborate easily on establishing a path with steps for you to take. And they need to be available to offer advice and direction along the way.
  • Make sure you can also provide value to them too—it’s a two-way street! You want it to be worth their while to be your mentor. Make them aware from the beginning how valuable the mentorship will be for both of you, and what you both stand to gain from it.

“Your mentors in life are important, so choose them wisely.”

(Robert Kiyosaki, American businessman and author)

As we covered previously there are many benefits to having a mentor, and it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

I told you it wouldn’t necessarily be easy! But if you take the time to consider these important factors, the process of finding a mentor will go smoothly.

Become NetWorkWise Certified

Are you interested in partnering with a mentor? If you’re changing careers or pursuing a new job role, or starting a small business and seek guidance from a leader in your industry, then you should!

Collaborating with a mentor expands your opportunities. And when you enroll in our certification program and become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional (NWW-CP), you’ll learn how to build and maintain the right relationships to help you develop a successful mentorship.

This course teaches you ways to cultivate connections with people who will guide you in reaching your goals. And once complete, you receive credentials validating you as a networking expert.

Sign up today and get NetWorkWise Certified! You will soon see the rewards of making long-lasting and meaningful relationships that offer mutual value and significant benefits.

This is Part 2 in the NetWorkWise Find a Mentor Through Your Networks series

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