How to Start Looking for a Mentor.
First, identify your needs. The areas where you need help, the skills your ideal mentor would need to have etc. It could be Marketing, Sales, Public Speaking or any area you feel you need to work on. With those criteria in mind, log in to Upnotch and look for exactly that using the filters.
If you feel unsure you can reach out to us directly at support@upnotch.com and tell us what you’re looking for in a mentor. We will send you a list of recommendations of people who we think would be perfect for you. Then you can look them up on Upnotch and decide who you want to reach out to first.
Start conversations!
Keep in mind that the first person you reach out to might not be the best fit, and that's totally okay. Inform them respectfully that they are not what you are looking for and go to the next person. In a way, it’s like a dating app. You'd have to be very lucky to find the love of your life on the first try! Accept that you may need to talk to a few different people before you find what you are looking for.
Don’t be shy! Upnotch members join because they want to connect with each other!
It might feel intimidating at first but keep in mind that every mentor on Upnotch is there to help and joined specifically because they want to share their knowledge and experience.
Send them a polite first message:
Introducing yourself.
Explain why you think they can help you.
Clearly describe the guidance you’re seeking.
If you seem to get along, ask for a first meeting - in person or a video call.
Note: You can now schedule video calls directly on Upnotch! Go to the person's profile, press the “+” button on the right-hand corner and schedule the call, it will automatically save it on your calendar. You will be able to join the call from the app 10 minutes before the meeting starts.
If you don’t hear from them, follow up but don’t hound them. Check-in about two weeks after your initial contact. If you don't hear back, don't worry. They probably don’t have the time to meet you right now. Move on and focus on the other potential mentors on your list.
The First Meeting
For the first meeting or call, come prepared. Stick to a few specific questions and try not to take up a lot of time. If you like the feedback you're getting, you get along well and the mentor leaves the door open for further contact, then be sure to ask them to be your mentor. Turn that conversation into a mentorship! And there you go, you have your new mentor!
The Etiquette
Remember to respect your mentor’s time.
Always be polite and succinct.
Try to send a short thank-you note after every meeting.
Keep your mentor updated on your progress, even if it's simply to tell them that their advice didn't work for you. They’ll be happy to help you work on a new strategy.
Give praise - if a mentor helped you in any way, make sure you let them know. It's always nice to be recognized.
How Often Should You Meet?
Depending on your needs, you might need to meet with your mentor once a month. Or you might find that a couple of times a year is enough. Every mentorship is different. Work with your mentor to decide what works for both of you.
How Many Mentors Should You Have at Once?
A single mentor might not necessarily be qualified to help you with all your challenges - they can only discuss the areas they have experience in. That's totally normal! We recommend connecting with multiple mentors with different areas of expertise so you can get the right guidance in all aspects of your professional life and help you take your career to the next level.
What next?
The next step is to get started! Join Upnotch today and find your next mentor.
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