How do you network with your mentors without being a burden?

It is difficult to answer this question because perhaps I am an unbearable burden to a mentor 😉 I believe that effective communication and thorough preparation are crucial in a business setting. It is essential to understand the purpose of meetings, engage in meaningful conversations, and always strive to be an active participant. Remember, you are not just a mentee, but also a professional who can contribute valuable insights. Mentors take pride in witnessing the success of their mentees, so it is important to avoid wasting time during meetings. Take the initiative to work diligently and honestly assess your readiness for finding solutions. If you are not prepared, be transparent with your mentor and explore alternative approaches.

Two ways to look at this... Mentors: Be prepared to be there for the long run. Mentorship should not be a 3-6 month journey, it should be a forever journey to where you don't lose sight of that contact. We all need mentorship but don't do it if you can't allocate the time for it. Mentees: Be open and upfront from the get go of your expectations. Build a vision board which should include short and long term goals that you would like to achieve. Show it to your mentor so that timelines can be set to reach these targets. This is a two-way street to where the mentor and mentee must meet in the middle for success!

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Before reaching out, solidify your goals. Do you seek a specific skill, career guidance or project feedback ? Clarity shows respect for their time and expertise, but mentorship is a two-way street ! Mentors : Commit to the long haul. This isn't a sprint, it's a lifelong connection. Allocate time for genuine guidance. Mentees : Be upfront! Share your vision board, including short and long-term goals. Setting timelines fosters shared success. Remember, it's a partnership ! When both parties meet halfway, incredible things happen. Therefore, you must empowering collaboration, igniting growth, paving the path to mutual success.

It is important to network with mentors without being a burden. To do so one could: 1. Have a conducive dialogue and set one expectations and boundaries right from the start 2. Always request or extra support or advice without being too demanding 3. Make sure you show gratitude and appreciation for the mentor

The ideal mentor is a guide and inspiration on a personal and professional growth journey. More than a teacher, this figure empathetically listens and understands individual needs without imposing views. They help balance professional growth with personal life, encouraging overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes. A mentor shares life experiences, offering lessons that inspire and motivate, rather than acting as an infallible guru. They care genuinely, guiding through difficult paths for overall well-being, fostering discovery, and growth in every aspect of life.

Respect your mentors’ schedule and preferences for communication Value your mentors’ input and guidance, and act on their suggestions Thank your mentors for their time and support, and acknowledge their contributions

Seek out the most formidable and influential figure in your industry, a true tough guy who commands universal respect and authority. Aligning with them can be a game-changer. It's crucial to choose a mentor who's not just a guide, but a powerhouse capable of unlocking doors and paving paths. Settling for a mentor who lacks this clout could be a significant setback in your journey to success.

Congrats! That’s the way to build a successful relationship. Both mentee and mentor could maintain theirs Life Long Learning sharing experiences and competences.

1. Always bring forth - what you bring to the networking chat. Some things to consider - will the benefactor amplify their own network by coaching you? Will the benefactor enhance their coaching skills by enabling your learning curve? 2. No matter how new you are to networking, you have to educate yourself on both said and unsaid #housekeeping rules. Be on time, dress appropriately, keep your camera on if networking is virtual, send reminder and thank you note, be in a noise-free and clutter free space. 3. Do your research and make networking personal. I often see beneficiaries asking questions the answers for which Google can easily propose. Ask actionable questions and stay away from abstract

Choose different platforms. While LinkedIn is primarily a professional communication platform, it is still possible to establish new business connections on Facebook, where individuals often share personal interests such as hobbies and travel experiences. For instance, people you met at a birthday party would be more appropriate to connect with on Facebook, while also keeping in mind their professional expertise.

Prioritize finding a mentor who has walked a path akin to yours. For example, if you're leading a startup, seek out someone who has successfully navigated the journey from startup to success, rather than someone who inherited a family business. It's vital to align yourself with individuals who have the relevant experience and wisdom to guide you correctly and keep you on the path to success.

Reciprocity is giving and receiving equally in your network Reciprocity can improve your network’s reputation, trust, and likability Reciprocity requires being generous, proactive, grateful, and consistent

Absolutely! Researching your mentors' backgrounds, achievements, and interests is essential. It allows you to tailor your message, avoid asking obvious questions, and demonstrate genuine curiosity and appreciation for their work. This effort helps you find common ground, build rapport, and create a stronger, more meaningful connection.

Giving and receiving, balanced and true, strengthens your network's core. It builds trust, fosters likability, and enhances your mentors' reputation. Be the embodiment of reciprocity through proactive gestures, genuine gratitude, and unwavering consistency. Show, don't just tell, that you value their time and mentorship. But remember, mentorship is ALWAYS a two-way street paved with reciprocity.

I realized that doing my research made all the difference. Instead of jumping in with generic questions, I spent time understanding their work, achievements, and the things they truly cared about. This not only helped me avoid asking obvious or repetitive questions but also allowed me to engage meaningfully. One mentor, for instance, was passionate about sustainable tech, something I hadn’t initially known. When I brought it up, we instantly connected. By showing that I valued their expertise, the relationship became more collaborative, and I never felt like a burden.

When you are asking for someone's time, be specific about what you want without making it sound too onerous e.g. I'd like to understand more about your career/learn about your department. Also, outline how much time you would like e.g. 20mins for a coffee. these two aspects make it easier for them to say "Yes".

Remember to regularly update your mentor, ideally once a month or every other month, about your progress. Share your journey through engaging stories and significant milestones. While much is said about the role of mentors, it's a two-way relationship. Demonstrating to your mentor that you're not just all talk, but are actively growing and evolving, is crucial in maintaining a productive and reciprocal mentorship.

I agree! Respecting mentors is more than politeness; it's about valuing their time and expertise. Use a professional tone, address them formally, and avoid slang. Be mindful of their schedule, express gratitude, and follow up with a brief summary of what you've learned. It's not just about knowledge; it's about building a relationship based on respect and gratitude.

Repeatedly trying to message or spam their inboxes with messages isn't an appropriate way to reach out to them. If you mentorship is bound to span for a few months, decide on a cadence to connect and block time/send invites for the same on the calendar, with a reminder to connect sometime behind actually meeting. And don't think of them as a 24/7 customer service in case of any questions or challenges you face. Be respectful of their personal time and space and don't expect immediate responses. If you know you'll have doubts accumulate, agree and setup dedicated time for the same.

Respect and act professionally with your mentors. Be courteous and kind, use their preferred name and title, and don’t use slang or jargon. Consider their time and availability, and don’t expect quick or regular responses. Thank them for their time and attention, and follow up with a short summary of what you learned or did.

The key word there is "preferred" name and title. I would extend that to seeking to understand how your mentor operates, by being alert and observant, being able to "read the room". But also, simply ask them. For example, ask them how they want you to communicate with them - via LinkedIn? Emails? Do they prefer that you send through questions/updates or save it up for your next catch up? Showing respect has some common elements but there are limitations to a one-size-fits-all approach. You need to understand what respect looks like to your mentor.

Absolutely! Maintaining respect and professionalism in communication with mentors is crucial. Use a polite, friendly tone, and address them by their preferred name and title. Be considerate of their schedule and don't expect immediate responses. Always express gratitude for their time and follow up with a summary of what you've learned or achieved. This approach fosters a positive and respectful mentor-mentee relationship.

Respect and professionalism pave the path to successful mentor relationships. Use a courteous tone, address them appropriately and be mindful of their time. Express gratitude, summarize outcomes and avoid excessive demands. Regular updates (monthly or bi- monthly) paint your growth journey with engaging stories and milestones. Show, don't just tell, how their guidance fuels your progress. This proactive commitment to growth strengthens the bond and fuels mutual fulfillment.

When I started reaching out to mine, I realized that being respectful and professional was key. I always addressed them by their preferred name and kept my tone polite yet friendly. One thing I learned early on was to be mindful of their busy schedules; I never expected immediate replies and always appreciated any time they could spare. After every conversation, I'd send a quick thank-you note, summarizing what I learned. This simple gesture showed that I valued their time and advice, making our exchanges more meaningful and productive.

Envision a mentor-mentee relationship as two gardeners in a shared knowledge garden. Both gardeners can provide value to one another. The mentor, with their experience, nurtures established wisdom, while the mentee introduces fresh seeds of new trends and tools. This synergy allows the mentor to stay updated with emerging ideas, and the mentee to grow under seasoned guidance. Together, they cultivate a garden rich with timeless wisdom and innovative potential, ensuring mutual growth and relevance in an ever-evolving landscape.

The very act of seeking a mentor underscores your commitment to exploring various avenues, be it in business, marketing, or other areas. You'll inevitably experiment with strategies your mentor might not have considered. Keep them informed about what's working for you; your insights could also benefit their business.

Give and receive feedback regularly and constructively Use feedback to improve your performance and skills Appreciate and acknowledge the feedback you get

In the mentor-mentee dynamic, we often envision the mentor as older and the mentee as younger. However, this traditional view is evolving. In our constantly changing world, roles can reverse, proving that 'old dogs can learn new tricks.' It's vital to remain open to learning opportunities, regardless of our position in the relationship. Sometimes, those who were once mentors may find themselves in the role of a mentee, gaining new perspectives. This fluidity enriches both parties, fostering a two-way street of growth and support. In a recent podcast interview with Greg Monday on 'Determined to Succeed,' we delved into this topic, highlighting the importance of adaptability and mutual support in mentorship relationships. #uniqueconnector

Limit your updates to your mentor to a maximum frequency of once a month or every other month. Focus on sharing stories that reflect progress and forward movement. Dedicate your time to learning as much as possible, ensuring that each update you provide is meaningful and indicative of your continuous growth.

Don’t lose touch with your mentors. Contact them often, but not too much. Keep talking, but don’t annoy them or ask for too much. Stay in touch with your mentors. Reach out to them regularly, but not excessively. Maintain contact with your mentors. Communicate with them frequently, but not overly.

Learn from your mentors’ feedback. Improve by following their advice, criticism, and tips. Improve with your mentors’ feedback. Follow their suggestions, critiques, and recommendations to get better. Don’t take their feedback personally or negatively, but use it to improve your skills, knowledge, and mindset.

Estamos em eterna evolução, os mentores e os mentorados. Não existe um ser autosuficiente e que não tem nada para aprender. Então temos de aprender a aceitar críticas e aprender a sugerir melhorias. Quando você se cala, quando ve alguém fazendo coisas erradas ou que poderiam ser feitas de uma melhor forma, você está negligenciando o seu papel de líder ou amigo desta pessoa. Querer o bem nem sempre será somente agradar e elogiar. Querer o bem, muitas vezes será, com firmeza, com críticas e com pulso firme. Evoluir dói.

As a verbal processor, I have found it helpful to make the most of their time and mine by sticking to this three-part framework for mentor/mentee meetings. It's called the 3-Cs: 1) Comment - give a status update since you last met (5-10 min). 2) Celebration - reminds you to pause and share what has been going well/right (5 min). 3) Concern - something that needs addressing within the allotted time (Remaining time). I've used this for YEARS and have found it super helpful.

Navigating mentor relationships can be tricky, but I've found that the key is genuine curiosity. Instead of reaching out only when you need something, share your progress and express appreciation for their guidance. It's about building a connection, not just extracting information.

We have to align our objectives with our mentor's interests and goals. This shared purpose creates a more symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit. Communicate how your growth complements their expertise or projects. 2. We also need to approach the mentorship with a genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn. Frame our interactions as opportunities to gain insights rather than solely seeking advice. This mindset can make our engagement more enjoyable for both you and your mentor, as it emphasizes a shared passion for knowledge. 3. Most importantly, we must acknowledge and respect our mentor's boundaries on time and availability & be open to constructive feedback. This demonstrates a positive and supportive mentor-mentee relationship

I think one thing that's oft forgotten is mentorship does not have to be a formal process. It doesn't have to be "We meet once a month on Friday's for an hour." Instead, it can be popping into your mentor's inbox with a question when it pops up. Or going to lunch every 6 months. By keeping it a bit more informal, you are less of a burden.