In an article entitled “Why Mentoring Matters in a Hypercompetitive World” (Harvard Business Review), the authors make the point that “If you want a mentor, start acting like you do and you will eventually find yourself connected with [people] who are invested in your personal development.”
Here are ten networking tips that can help you find mentors:
- Use your current network to reach out. Ask the people you know who they know. Be explicit about what you are looking for in a mentor.
- Just because you have been introduced to someone doesn’t mean you know them. Find a way to get to know the people you meet so that you can build a trusting relationship.
- Follow up with people you meet at business events; they know people who know people.
- Get people to like you. Generally people help those they like. Be enthusiastic and interesting.
- Look for successful people to network with who achieved in business what you hope to achieve.
- Stay in touch with people even if they can’t help you immediately.
- Make it a point to talk to people you don’t know everywhere you go, and have a great opening one liner in your back pocket.
- Be sure to carry your business cards and be comfortable handing them out.
- Join networking clubs and associations in your field.
- Follow up on any lead, no matter how minor.
Learn more about how you can Mentoring Work for You.
