How to find a mentor who is actually willing to help you?

AAnonymous ·April 27, 2015 ·7 answers

I mean how do you actually find a mentor who is willing to commit to you. I have had many “mentors”, but none of them actually focused on guiding me, they were really passive and never had much to say about anything. I know it takes some time finding the right person, but I don’t know anyone else (I am not from the US).

I know people are busy, but people who mentor should do it for a reason, to see others rise to your level. I don’t know if I’ve just stumbled upon people who just are more passive about things or mentors are supposed to work that way? I am not an asshole, I know it might seem that way as I am writing this story, but rather dissapointed. Any tips on finding a great mentor will be very appreciated.

7 answers from the community

AAnonymous· Apr 28, 2015

Everyone listens to a radio station WII FM. What's in it for me. Nobody mentors just because. There's just a reason they are doing it. For fame, for their community, for friendship and company and someone to reminiscent their glory days. You seem to come across as wanting something for nothing and as a result you get mentors who give nothing.

Seek to understand what mentors you seek are interested in and provide value even if it's just researching their favorite pastimes and talking to them about it.

AAnonymous· Apr 28, 2015

I am actually expecting a friendship with a mentor. Probably the problem I've had with mentors so far is probably that they have all been family acquaintances. Thanks for the reply.

AAnonymous· Apr 28, 2015

Like a lot of relationships, you get out what you put into it. Engage your mentor and be honest so you can get constructive feedback. If they dont still engage with you, then they dont know shit and shouldn't be a mentor.

AAnonymous· Apr 29, 2015

I've cold-emailed a number of CEOs in the past and it has worked out well for me. Ended up with a mentor from one and a job from another.

I let them know that I just want to chat. Curious about how they grew their companies. Most people like to talk about themselves ;)

If it seems like a good fit, then you can pose a more formal mentoring relationship. You definitely need to have goals for the relationship though. What specifically are you looking to get out of it?

AAnonymous· Apr 29, 2015

Thanks for the reply man.

I am looking for more of a friendship where the mentor can help me out with little things and give me tips, etc but more as a friend. You know when you have nothing to do on Friday night you can go out for a beer with your mentor and talk about business, family, etc. Something like that would be awesome.

I am also really interested in personal success stories and like to analyze them. That gives me some info like what are the risks of doing that and that and why you should not do something, etc.

AAnonymous· Apr 30, 2015

who wrote this? I'd like to connect with you.

"I’ve cold-emailed a number of CEOs in the past and it has worked out well for me. Ended up with a mentor from one and a job from another.

I let them know that I just want to chat. Curious about how they grew their companies. Most people like to talk about themselves ;)

If it seems like a good fit, then you can pose a more formal mentoring relationship. You definitely need to have goals for the relationship though. What specifically are you looking to get out of it?"

-Jonny

AAnonymous· May 7, 2015

Here's a great blog post from Alex, CEO of Groove: "The Entrepreneur’s Guide To Connecting With Awesome Mentors" - https://www.groovehq.com/blog/connecting-with-mentors

How to find a mentor who is actually willing to help you?

7 answers from the community

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