Tips for Identifying Trusted Career Mentors

How do you find a mentor? Last week, I wrote about how essential it has been for me to find mentors in the VC space, and how that was also true during my playing career in the NBA. The advice to find one is simple. Doing the actual finding, though, can be a challenge. So, what are some steps that could work? 1️⃣ Who Do You Already Know? That mentor may not already be in your network, but they’re one, two or three calls or emails away from someone who is. Do you know anyone that’s in the field or on the path you’re looking to forge? Do you know someone who might know someone? Did your cousin’s friend’s former boss start their own company, and that’s what you want to do? Is another former student of your favorite history teacher now a software engineer, and you’re interested in that, too? You’ll have to ask around to find that out (I’m not assuming you know much about your cousin’s friend’s old boss). And you’ll have to cast a wide net. And you’ll have to be willing to put yourself out there. I have been lucky enough to find myself in some incredible rooms with impressive people thanks to my career in the NBA. But that wasn’t the end of it. I had to be willing to put myself out there, to share my interests and questions, to encourage them to see me as more than a hooper, in order to create connections. Which leads us to… 2️⃣ Don’t Be Afraid to Ask It’s not always natural or comfortable to ask for help. But, often, that’s the only way you’re going to get it — and get it in the way that you truly need. So, don’t be afraid to ask that person in your network, or who you know just a little, or that you worked with in the past, if they’d be willing to chat. Don’t be afraid to do some research, identify someone that’s on a path that you find drawn to, and reach out by sending a brief note. You might not hear back. A lot of times, honestly, you won’t. But, eventually, you will hear back. You will find someone that’s eager to offer you what they’ve learned along the way. And when you do… 3️⃣ Nurture the Relationship  Once you find that person, remain engaged. Stay curious. Express gratitude. Figure out a cadence of communication that works for both of you. Consider if there’s anything you can offer them — and, trust me, no matter who that person is or where you’re at, there is; it could be as simple as a warm smile or steadily maintaining eye contact as you listen. When I was an OG for some young bucks in the league, I loved it, because it felt like it kept me youthful, and I was able to connect with a newer generation and learn about their passions. 💡 For those of you who have had mentors, what have been the keys to finding them? 💡 💡 For those of you who have been mentors, what’s been an effective way that your mentee has connected with you? 💡 #linkedinsports #mentorship #venturecapital

As an executive coach and a woman of color, I can attest to the transformative power of mentorship both in my own career and in the lives of countless women I've had the privilege of working with. Finding the right mentor can seem overwhelming, especially for women entering the professional workforce. Consider these ideas when seeking a mentor: Establish Connections: Identify mentors in your circle of influence who are dedicated to supporting your growth, advocating for your talents behind closed doors, celebrating your achievements, assisting you in navigating setbacks, and providing honest and trustworthy guidance. Selecting Your Mentor: Whether you're seeking to change industries, develop new skills, or expand your network within a specific field, ask a mentor for specific guidance around your goals and share specific criteria for success. Above All, Don’t Hesitate to Ask! Even if the person is unable to commit substantial time, remember that you can seek a mentor for a single piece of advice when you encounter challenges. Taking the step to request assistance, even in a limited capacity, is a valuable starting point. Embrace the courage to seek help, recognizing that the wisdom and insights gained from experienced leaders can propel your career. The mentors I have worked with provided me with invaluable advice, introduced me to key contacts, and helped me develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in my career. As a seasoned professional of color, consider being a mentor for someone else; your efforts confirm that it is possible to break down barriers and shatter preconceived notions about who can be a leader. Source: https://lnkd.in/gjASihGJ #mentorship #sponsorship #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment

Mentoring: Do you “really“ understand what it is? Day 2 Kimberly’s Top Tip #2 “You can have multiple mentors . . . at the same time.” When I identify an area for improvement or support or expansion, I seek a Mentor to advise me, someone who has knowledge and experience in the area I am seeking support. 🟢 I define my goal. Ex. Learn how Projects are managed in Banking. 🟢 Next, I network, and ask, “Who do you who has _______.” Ex. “Who do you know who has managed projects in several different banks?”and “Do you feel that person would be interested in mentoring me?” 🟢 Finally, I reach out and schedule an Introductory meeting. During the meeting, we get to know each other, discuss my goal, and determine if we want to finalize a Mentor-Mentee relationship. Currently, I have three mentors: 🪅 Florida Mentor: We focus on HR topics. For me, it is a strong area of interest plus my college degree - Labor and Employee Relations - aligns. 🪅 Georgia Mentor: We focus on Project Management topics through the eyes and experiences of PMPs, as both of us are certified. 🪅 North Carolina Mentor: We focus on how I can network and grow my career with my employer, a large organization with 200K+ employees and many different career paths. For what goals might you seek a Mentor? Check back, tomorrow, for Tip #3. Please Note: ♦️ I’m maxed out with my own Mentees and Mentors. 🔷 I am available to Coach, including more on How to Seek Mentors. #KimberlyPMP

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 Finding good mentors is the practice of patience, diligence, and persistence. Like any relationship, the dialog with someone who could be a mentor begins with a simple question. Will you be willing to speak with me? It could be advice on your technical path, your career journey or to gain knowledge from the other person’s experiences. Reaching out to individuals of interest on forums like LinkedIn can be helpful but keep in mind that many of those individuals are busy or they might not be the right fit. Having a broad approach is critical. 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐭𝐢𝐩: Individuals who are already known to be highly active mentors are probably not your target audience as they are usually already quite busy.   Try to establish some point of mutual interest but make it reasonably relevant. Being born in the same town, going to the same university or both of you following Man United might not cut it. Be more creative. If successful in gaining a meeting, use that first session to introduce yourself, the purpose of why you reached out to them (if this is unclear from prior communication) and learn about themselves. Use some social savvy as to how the first conversation goes. If the two of you seem to ‘click,’ ask for a follow-up meeting perhaps 1-3 months down the line (remember what I said about patience). If the person is interested, they will agree, and you can continue the dialog. Over time, if further meetings occur, begin to refine the topics, perhaps even notifying the individual in advance of those points so they can reflect in advance. Show that you have reflected on previous discussions and come prepared with your thoughts. Obviously if the person does not agree to a second meeting, they are not feeling mutual interest or may not have the time. Respect that and move on. Ultimately these dialogs turn into mentoring relationships if both parties are gaining something from the conversations and you are showing respect for the other person’s time. Asking an individual in these situations to be your mentor is somewhat of a formality. Some of my best mentors never said and I never asked. I just appreciated their time and learned. Keep in mind that potential mentors or even those early contacts are not there to offer job referrals or recommendations, or help you get a job in the initial stages of interaction. I see this mistake made repeatedly by individuals. It derails a potentially rewarding mentoring relationship by turning it into a transactional process of helping them before a basis for that assistance can even occur. Don’t be that person. It doesn’t work and it reflects badly on you. Over time they may choose to do so but it will be at their initiative in most cases. If the relationship is solid, the ask is far easier and usually granted proactively. Try some different approaches to find what works best for you. Good luck! #mentoring #opportunity #career

You're not just managing projects; you're shaping futures – both at work and at home. As a working mom, you've mastered the art of multitasking, but have you unlocked the full potential of mentorship in your professional journey? Let's talk about why having a mentor is a game-changer for you. Picture this: a mentor is your personal strategist, someone who gets the unique challenges you face. They offer you tailored advice that's as adaptable as you are, ensuring you're not just heard but understood. This isn't just about career development; it's about finding someone who champions your cause in the spaces that matter most. You know the struggle of the 'maternal wall,' where your commitment might be underestimated. Your mentor is your advocate, spotlighting your skills and pushing you to the front lines of opportunity. This is about strategic empowerment, putting you in the limelight where your talents can't be overlooked. Think of the wisdom at your disposal with a mentor by your side. These insights are like a fast pass, helping you balance your professional aspirations with your life at home more seamlessly. Networking isn't just about collecting business cards; it's about building a community. Your mentor can introduce you to this vital web of connections that goes beyond your current role, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach. And here's the best part – you're a mentor's dream. Your experiences, perspective, and undeniable grit enrich the mentorship experience. It's a partnership that fosters growth on both ends, a shared journey of success and empowerment. So, to you, the working mom who is focused on growing in her career, let mentorship be your secret weapon. With the right mentor, you're not just breaking barriers; you're setting new benchmarks. Here are a couple of powerful tips to help you find your ideal mentor: Identify Your North Star: Before you start searching for a mentor, get crystal clear on what you're looking for. What are your career goals? What skills do you want to develop? What kind of leader do you aspire to be? Define your 'why' with precision because when you know exactly what you're after, you can spot the right mentor from a mile away. Leverage Your Existing Constellation: Look up and around you. Your current network is a treasure trove of potential mentors. Tap into professional associations, alumni networks, and even social media platforms like LinkedIn. Attend industry meetups, webinars, and conferences. Be bold and reach out – a simple message can spark a connection that may lead to a mentorship. Remember, every interaction is a bridge to a potential mentor. #mentorship #womenempowerment #womeninbusiness #personalgrowth