How To Be a Business Mentor

What is a mentor? A mentor is a person who is willing to make a commitment to coach a less-experienced "mentee" at no charge or cost. A mentor is ready to give back to others, to help contribute to another's growth. A mentor is someone concerned about our future world, wanting to make a difference.

Think you may not be a respected mentor because you haven't accomplished all your business goals yet? The good news is, you don't have to fulfill all your goals to be a mentor! Even right now, you have a lot of important things you can teach to someone younger than you; and as you learn, you can pass on your knowledge and experience.

So you've decided you wanted to roll up your sleeves and get started. Now, how do you find a mentee?

1. Look for a mentee who is coachable and willing to learn. Remember a mentee can be any age, not just a youth. Ask your mentee what they would like to accomplish during your mentorship — that will help determine if this is a good fit for you.

    

   When a mentee is seeking a mentor, they may evaluate your compatibility with the following criteria:

   • Age
   • Gender
   • Language fluency
   • College / education
   • Business type / experience
   • Cultural background (may not be important)
   • Spiritual beliefs / religious background
   • Life mission / philosophy
   • Future plans / goals
   • Willingness to teach
   • Role model by example
   • Location - country, state/province, city/region (may not be important if internet-based)

   If you and your mentee have paired up via an internet connection, and never actually known each other in person, be ready to supply a few solid references.

2. Once you select a mentee, and they select you, how should you two communicate each week? It is recommended to schedule a regular, weekly time of 30 to 60 minutes. You can contact each other via email, phone, instant messenger, letter, or in-person visits.

   If you meet in person, a few tips to keep in mind:

   • It's easiest and safest to meet in open places, such as an office or a public place such as a coffee shop.
   • Suggested dress is either business or business casual. You don't want to show up in jeans and t-shirts; remember the example you're setting.
   • If you mentee is a teen, it may be good idea to involve their parents.
3. Put aside some time each week to communicate, 30-60 minutes. Mark it out on your schedule, and make it a regular time. It's best to commit to one year with your mentee initially. If the relationship is mutually beneficial, you could extend it indefinitely.

Can you be both a mentor and a mentee at the same time? Yes, but don't over-extend yourself. Remember, you still need time to work and earn a living!