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Small business owners frequently cite that having a mentor is one of their top keys to success. So why don’t you have one? It’s because you have misconceptions about what a mentor looks like and how they can help.
Why People Don’t Want to be Your Mentor
They Don’t Know You
You won’t find mentors by reaching out to strangers since they don’t know you and won’t invest time in helping.
Instead, look around at the inspiring people you are already interact. Your mentor needs to be someone who believes you are worthy of helping. Ask who in your network already fits that profile.
You Ask for Mentorship
“Will you be my mentor?” Sheryl Sandberg explains that, “If someone has to ask the question, the answer is probably no. When someone finds the right mentor, it is obvious. The question becomes a statement. Chasing or forcing that connection rarely works.”
When looking for a mentor, author Ryan Holiday says don’t even use the word. A mentor is a label that can only be applied to someone over time, and by the time that label can be applied, it is already very clear what that person’s role is. Just like any other relationship, it has to grow and transform into what you both want it to be. Let them develop slowly over a period of time.
You Take Without Giving
The “mentor-mentee” relationship needs to be a mutual exchange. While at first it may seem like you have nothing to bring to the table, this is not the case. Give your time by finding articles, links, or news that can benefit your mentors.
Make connections for them to your network. Tweet their posts, comment on their blogs, and share their updates. Ask how you can be of service to them.
You are a Drag to Mentor
Take a closer look at yourself. Are you somebody you yourself would like to mentor? Are you eager to listen, learn and committed to implementing the advice you receive?
People don’t want to mentor those who are sensitive to criticism and stuck in their ways. Arguing with all feedback is a major red flag to a potential mentor that you aren’t worth their time. Excuses are also a barrier.
Be great at what you do. Work hard and be dependable. Go out and become that person that others would love to support and nurture in business.
Republished by permission. Original here.
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