How To Find And Keep A Mentor

DESCRIPTION Don’t run the risk of choosing the wrong mentor before hearing Jay reveal the common misconceptions associated with mentorships, what to look for in a mentor, where to find one, track records, action points, dealing with criticism, return on investment and more. KEY TAKEAWAYS How To Find And Keep A Mentor. I have created eleven tips that I feel you can use when finding and keeping a mentor. I think that most people misunderstand mentoring. They ask a leader they admire to mentor them, forcing that kind of person into an awkward position where they feel bad for saying no. It is important that when looking for a mentor you follow the steps to ensure you get off the best possible start. Tip One: What you need to look for in a mentor? It’s important you decide what you want in a mentor. The main thing is that you need is to ensure the same values and principles as yourself. More importantly they have a proven track record. Tip two: You are looking at, where can you find a mentor? Mentors are everywhere, so I will suggest that you share your story with people you respect, people who will show a bit of an interest in you. And from there you could find really good mentors. Three: Get as much knowledge as you can about the person! If you set this meeting up with someone that you identify as a mentor, get as much information about the person. Show an interest in them, follow their blog or profile and learn about your mentor. Four: Don’t ask them to be your mentor straight away! I think you shouldn’t really ask them straight away to be a mentor. What You should do is have a few meetings, get to know each other, ask them for advice at some point, share your story and then build that relationship. Five: After few meetings, you’ve decided you want to have this individual as a mentor. I would say to them “Look, I want to progress this forward. Could we meet on the monthly basis where I would just bring some of my progression, how far I’ve got, each month I just get your advice moving forward. I understand, you might be busy, and I am happy to do over the phone or email, should you not be available. How does that sound for you? “ Six: Give something back! This will help you maintain a long-term mentoring relationship. Every individual you listen to, me as well have got their own sets of skills, don’t be afraid to give something back. When I was mentoring one of my mentees, they were very good on social media, I really wasn’t good on social media, in fact this podcast is due to a lot of mentees pushing me to get my message out more. These mentees helped me with my social media, my Facebook, my Twitter, my Instagram and I was grateful to them. Don’t be afraid to get your strength across to your mentor and give them Seven: Mentorship is a journey, mentoring is organic, it’s healthy, let it grow! Repeating the same questions each meeting, because you’ve not really done the work is a bit poor for the mentor. 100% it’s organic, it will take time, bear with it and make sure you value it. This advice from mentor will increase your chance success. Eight: Don’t check out, when you’re challenged up! I would say if you get challenged by your mentor, don’t take to heart. This is them giving you advice, they are giving you advice on their own opinions and take it on board as constructive criticism. Nine: Mentorship is sharing experiences! I used to think a mentor would just give me all the answers. They do in a sense, but they just showing experiences. You need to create your own answers, I would say that mentorship is a bit like a book, you dive in and you get this perspective and you bring it back into your own business to help you cross that barrier. Ten: Ask you mentor for feedback! Eleven: The most important out of everything is, you need to be committed! You need to show your mentor that you are really committed to success and every month you are progressing forward, you’re putting in the work. You just need to put the work in. BEST MOMENTS I said I wanted a mentor, I didn’t really understand what that even meant. It's time to start seeking mentoring the right way. Get into a mentorship programme type and get a relationship where you can meet regularly. The mentees that are really stood out, are the ones that give something back to me. If you get challenged by your mentor, don’t take to heart. You need to show your mentor that you are really committed! VALUABLE RESOURCES www.thebusinessmentorpodcast.com ABOUT THE HOST Jay Dhillon is a well-established entrepreneur and has built up many businesses from start-up to success. In 2005 he built a business from 0 – 500 employees with a turnover of £5 million per year and this with no investment apart from his savings. This business brought in major clients such as Land Rover, Jaguar, Toyota and New Look just to name a few. His passion and skills have since allowed him to build many more businesses. Today Jay has multiple business in various sectors. His achievements for his work have been highlighted in a visit to Buckingham Palace to meet with Prince Charles. From humble upbringing’s Jay feels that anyone can be successful in the business world. Over his 18 years within businesses, he is now sharing his knowledge and skills to help other inspiring entrepreneurs succeed in the world of business. CONTACTS [email protected] Jay’s Website Jay’s LinkedIn