6 Advantages of Having a Mentor and How to Find One

The most successful people have mentors guiding their progress. It’s difficult to overestimate the positive influence a mentor can have on your success. Finding a great mentor is a challenge, but it’s worth the work. A mentor can take you places you’ve never been and do so at breakneck speed. Consider finding a mentor to assist with your aspirations.

A mentor has been where you want to go. The right mentor will have already accomplished the goals you are now aiming to achieve. If your dream is to become a Wall Street tycoon, professional baseball coach, or a successful business owner, it only makes sense to find someone that has accomplished that same goal.

You’ll have the guidance you need to set actionable goals. Are you sure about the next step to reach your long-term goals? A mentor can guide you in setting appropriate goals. You can be enthusiastic, serious, and capable, but your progress will be limited, and much time will be wasted if you’re headed in the wrong direction. You’ll gain the necessary tools in time to use them. Have you ever tried to put something together without reading the directions first? We all have. A #mentor will ensure you have the necessary skills before you need them. You have access to their contacts. An appropriate mentor will be successful and as a result, will know the right people. The saying, “It’s all about who you know.” is largely true. When everything else is equal, people would rather take a chance on someone they know. A mentor can introduce you to the people that an help you get to the next level.

You receive an unbiased, yet experienced, opinion. It’s not easy to make the best decisions when your knowledge is lacking. A mentor can fill that gap.

A committed mentor will introduce you to opportunities. A mentor won’t just introduce you to influential people. She will also introduce you to the right opportunities. Once your mentor puts the word out, she will occasionally be presented with opportunities that match your growth needs. She may also seek out opportunities on your behalf.

Finding a Mentor that’s Right for You

So, how do you find the right mentor for your needs?

Try these strategies: Reach out to the experts in your field. Start at the very top and work your way down. While it’s unlikely that someone famous will grant your request, you might find they’re willing to point you in the right direction. How do you reach them? These days it's as easy as tagging them on social media or sending a note via direct message. I find that video or voice messages are much more effective in soliciting a response versus a regular text message. If that doesn’t work, keep going down the list. The perfect mentor is just waiting for someone to ask.

Be prepared to show your level of commitment. A world-class expert might only consider working with someone that comes prepared. If your ambitions are more modest, you may need to convince your potential mentor that you’re serious. Everyone’s time is precious and they all want to spend it wisely.

Finding a mentor will make it possible for you to achieve success quickly and smoothly. A mentor will help you take advantage of the best opportunities and avoid the speed bumps. If you don’t have a mentor, start looking for one today!

About the author:

Morganne Gervais created CareerspressoⓇ to help people re-enter the workforce after an extended break in employment by teaching them how to create an achievement-based resume, negotiate salary, and ace their interview using 3 unique principles she developed.

She is an expert on the topic of Advancing Women to Leadership, and a highly sought-after speaker and consultant specializing on the topics of job searching, career advancement, business building, and developing a winning mindset to succeed in today’s job market. She launched her coaching career by conducting an online webinar for The Magic Johnson Foundation; Taylor Michael's Scholarship Program.

Morganne has over 20 years of experience in Training, Recruiting, and Human Resources. The knowledge she has acquired through work, and personal work experiences early in her career are invaluable to both new and seasoned professionals. Ms. Gervais’ business acumen and expertise enabled her to successfully place 98% of her candidates with corporate clients during the last two recessions.

Ms. Gervais holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Psychology and Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

You can learn more about maximizing your job search, advancing your career or starting a business by visiting her YouTube channel.