How to Find a Mentor

Mentor relationships (much like networking) is something that we all know we should be pursuing for professional success, but can often be anxiety inducing.  However so many of the same networking principles that we utilize can also apply to the search for your next mentor.

But how to get started?  The first place to look is at your current professional network.  Is there anyone in your network with whom you would be interested in pursuing a mentor relationship?  No matter who you are you have a network.  You have friends and family, friends of people in your family.  You have had employers, coworkers, teachers, and professors.  These are easy places to look for a prospective mentor.

What if you do not think that anyone you already know fits the bill?  Try looking one step out from your direct network.  Is there anyone in your school, ideal practice area, or general profession that you are aware of but maybe do not know?  If so, then look for a connection point.  Is there someone you know who could make an introduction?  Are they presenting at a conference that you are going to attend?  Is there a way that you could meet them in a professional setting to begin to develop that relationship?

But maybe you are not sure who you would like to develop a mentor relationship with because you do not know what you are looking for.  Here are three simple ways to brainstorm to find your ideal mentor:

1. Make a list.

A simple list of qualities or attributes in your ideal mentor is a simply place to begin.  As you work it is likely that the person you are looking for will come into focus.

2. Vision board.

A vision board can be a great brainstorming tool to help you break through a barrier.  Whether with actual paper or digitally, a vision board can help you identify who you are truly seeking.

3. Nurture your existing network.

Select two or three people in your existing network.  For whatever reason you may not think they are candidate for your mentor.  But, developing your relationship with them may either change your view or help you learn more about them so you can connect to a prospective mentor in their network.

As you grow, if you have the opportunity to become a mentor for someone else - take it!

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.