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MENTORSHIP RESOURCE HANDBOOK

SUPPORTED BY RBC FUTURE LAUNCH

RBC Future Launch is committed to helping young Canadians prepare for a drastically changing workforce, and

empowering youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Funding for the RBC Future Launch Project Accelerator was proudly

provided by the RBC Foundation in support of RBC Future Launch.

These Mentorship Resources were sourced from various experts and organizations within the business industry,

compiled here as a comprehensive resource for student leaders in the Enactus Canada network, and will provide an

overview of how to source and build relationships with mentors, as well as a list of networking and mentorship

organizations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NETWORKING

DO YOU HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT NETWORKING? THESE HACKS WILL TURN THINGS AROUND ............................ 2

NETWORKING BY TEN THOUSAND COFFEES AND RBC FUTURE LAUNCH ...................................................................... 4

NETWORKING TIPS ............................................................................................................................................................... 6

CHOOSING A MENTOR

HOW TO FIND A MENTOR AS AN ENTREPRENEUR (PLUS 6 PLACES TO LOOK FOR ONE) .............................................. 8

TIPS FOR LOCATING A MENTOR ....................................................................................................................................... 12

HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESS ADVISOR ................................................................................................ 14

BUILDING THE MENTOR-MENTEE RELATIONSHIP

8 TIPS FOR AN AMAZING MENTOR RELATIONSHIP ........................................................................................................ 15

5 INGREDIENTS TO BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE MENTOR-MENTEE RELATIONSHIP ..................................................... 17

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS .................................................................................................... 19

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

NETWORKING AND MENTORSHIP ORGANIZATIONS ....................................................................................................... 21

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DO YOU HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT NETWORKING? THESE HACKS WILL TURN THINGS AROUND SOURCE: RBC, written for the RBC Future Launch Initiative

Does this sound familiar: you arrive at an industry event and suddenly realize you don't recognize anyone? Your hands

start to get clammy. Your throat goes dry. You've never been good at this. You're certain you're going to say the

wrong thing. Don't fear! These networking hacks can help you become an expert at working the room.

1. Do some homework When it comes to networking events, you should have an idea of what you're hoping to accomplish before you get

there. Maybe you're looking for a job and want to make connections at companies. Or maybe you're looking for new

clients for your start-up venture. Think about the kinds of connections which would help you achieve that.

If the event organizers provide an attendee list, a little sleuthing on LinkedIn beforehand could also help you identify

people to make connections with at the event.

2. Remember everyone's a little nervous No one is born great at networking; it takes practice. And not even the most-outgoing extrovert enjoys showing up at

an event where they know no one. Use that to your advantage! Approach someone else standing on their own. Not

sure what to say? Just introduce yourself and ask them what they do, or why they came to the event. They'll be

relieved they're not standing alone anymore and eager to talk to you.

3. Ask people about themselves So, you've introduced yourself, but now you're not sure what to say? Most people love to talk about themselves. When

someone tells you what they do, ask them what that entails, or how long they've been at their company.

If your conversations turns to more personal matters, you can also follow up and ask them which rock climbing gym

they go to, or whether they liked the speaker at the event. Afraid that it will mean you won't get to tell them about

what you do? Don't worry!

People generally reciprocate and show interest in people who are interested in them.

4. Make a connection Up to now, you've just been meeting people and establishing rapport. When it comes to effective networking, you'll

need to go a step further.

At its best, networking allows you to help others while building your network of people to call on when you need help.

Think about what you can offer the person you're speaking to — even if it has nothing to do with your current position.

It could be a restaurant recommendation, an introduction to a colleague, or an article you think they'll find interesting.

Don't dismiss someone just because there aren't any common business interests now. You might be able to connect

with them later for something that will benefit you both.

5. How to politely disengage from conversations After you've made a connection, remember there are likely other people at the event you could try connecting with

too. So, how do you disengage without being rude?

Easy! Networkers know part of why you attend an event is to circulate and meet many people. Tell your new

connection you were glad to meet them, and give them your business or personal card. After that, you might excuse

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yourself to go to get a drink or some food. You can even make a joke and say that the two of you should probably

keep circulating or you might get kicked out of the networking event for doing it wrong.

6. How to spot and approach people who are good connections Often, people have name tags at events like these that include their job titles. You might look for someone who is in

HR or is in charge of communications. Approach them and introduce yourself, but don't jump into reciting your

resume or your elevator pitch right away.

Start with small talk first about the event or a positive news story you might have heard recently about their company.

Then mention that you've always wanted to work for their company or that you're wondering if they need help with

their social media strategy.

Make sure to exchange cards to follow up later.

7. Follow up Networking is only useful if you cultivate the connections you make. Reach out to your new contacts on LinkedIn

afterwards, or shoot them an e-mail. Ask if they would be willing to meet for coffee for an informational interview, or if

you could send along a more information on your business.

If you can follow these steps, you'll improve your networking game, which can help you advance your career or

venture. After a few networking successes, it may even be easier to relax and enjoy yourself at these events.

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NETWORKING BY TEN THOUSAND COFFEES AND RBC FUTURE LAUNCH SOURCE: RBC Future Launch – Grow Your Network

Why Networking?

When you have a diverse network, it accelerates your career, allows you to tap into other professionals’ smart

thinking, and helps answer important questions as you navigate current and future opportunities.

Networking can be as simple as a casual chat over coffee (or tea!), and helps you to:

Gain a better understanding of what careers are available

Develop your communications skills through real-world practice

Share ideas and explore innovative new skills and opportunities

We all know that networking is an important component of building a successful career -- 85% of all jobs are filled via

networking. However, young people don’t have equal access to support, advice, or opportunities to discover and

explore the realities of the jobs they’re considering. RBC Future Launch has partnered with Ten Thousand Coffees to

increase access to, and deliver, networking support to post-secondary students through alumni connections across

Canada. Starting with 7 post-secondary institutions, RBC Future Launch and Ten Thousand Coffees will help prepare

students for the future of work by helping grow their networks and make the necessary connections to ensure a

successful transition from school-to-work, in a phased approach.

Ten Thousand Coffees

Powering the networking and mentoring programs at leading organizations and schools, Ten Thousand Coffees

partners with schools to build networks between students, recent grads, and alumni. Members will:

Receive smart career introductions each year to a fellow student or alumni based on professional interests and

goals

Help coordinate a time to chat, in-person at a coffee shop or online from the comfort of your home, to share

advice and experience

Provide an official LinkedIn certification to recognize commitment to continuous learning and career

advancement

Deliver introductions directly to your preferred inbox and provide an invite directly to your gmail/outlook calendar

Provide tips, tricks, ice breakers and best practices - helping you make the most of your connections

WATCH: How Networking Helped Me to Land My Dream Job

Get Involved!

Students and alumni of the following schools can click below to join their communities on Ten Thousand Coffees.

All Faculties:

Saint Mary’s University

University of Lethbridge

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Specific Faculties:

George Brown College – Centre for Business

McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management

University of Calgary – Schulich School of Engineering

University of Guelph – College of Business and Economics

University of Victoria – Gustavson School of Business

University of Victoria – Faculty of Social Science

University of Victoria – Faculty of Engineering

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NETWORKING TIPS SOURCE: RBC – Excerpt from My Career Workbook

Move beyond social media Social media sites like LinkedIn offer a great opportunity to gather information, make initial connections and manage

your network, but you need to make sure that your connections exist outside of these platforms.

Make a good first impression Reaching out to someone to make a connection can be a little intimidating. When possible, aim for an introduction -

get someone in your network who knows the person you want to connect with to introduce you.

When you reach out, either in person or by email, make sure to share a little bit about yourself. Make sure it feels like

a two way street by highlighting ways you might be helpful to the individual as well.

Always prepare Whether you’re meeting face to face with an individual, or attending an event, you want to invest some time preparing.

Research the individual(s) you’re connecting with using LinkedIn or your existing network to learn more about the

their position(s), work background(s) and accomplishments. Consider what you’d like to find out more about. Be sure

you’re ready to tell your story (see Module 3 exercise ) and prepare a few questions in advance:

Tell me a little about you and your career journey.

What are the most important skills you have developed over your career?

What part of your current job do you find most satisfying? What is the most

challenging aspect of your current job?

What skills are most critical to success in the work you are currently doing?

What areas of your industry do you think will offer the greatest opportunity in the

coming years?

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your field?

What other fields or related careers would you recommend I research further?

Do you have any recommendations of blogs, websites, professional groups or

other resources I could use to get more information about this industry or position?

Based on what I’ve told you about my interests and skills, can you think of any

roles which I might be suited for in your industry?

Make strong connections During your conversation, focus on asking open-ended questions. Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a

yes/no or single word, they encourage discussion and allow you to find out more.

Demonstrate curiosity and make sure you’re ready to hold up your end of the conversation. Take a balanced approach

by sharing some information about yourself but don’t dominate the conversation.

Be yourself and make sure you stay fully engaged and present in the conversation

(put your phone away).

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Manage your network and keep in touch

Take a few moments to follow up with your new contacts by sending a quick note indicating you enjoyed meeting

them. To increase the impact of your note, refer back to your conversation and talk about something you took away

from it. You could also share something that might be of interest to them related to your conversation or perhaps

even their personal interests. Focus on giving before you ask for something.

Chances are your network will evolve over time and include several different categories of people within it including:

Life long relationships, colleagues and mentors as well as other connections that may not be as strong.

Focus on the quality of your connections and not quantity, and be sure you’re actively managing the most important

relationships in your network.

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HOW TO FIND A MENTOR AS AN ENTREPRENEUR (PLUS 6 PLACES TO LOOK FOR ONE) SOURCE: Shopify

Successful entrepreneurs, or professionals in any field, aren’t made overnight: It takes them years of effort, of trial

and error, to amass all the experience and knowledge that got them where they are today. At some point, they were in

the same spot as anyone just starting out: unsure how to navigate the hurdles before them, looking up to someone

who was somewhere that they wanted to be. These people who have “been there and done that” offer one of the

most understated resources entrepreneurs can benefit from: mentorship. A good mentor can help you avoid common

mistakes early on, solve troublesome problems, and offer up valuable connections and advice, while helping you

realize your full potential as a person.

What Is a Mentor, Exactly?

A mentor is someone who has priceless experience that you don’t have yet, who has made all the necessary mistakes

on the road to success, learned from them, and is willing to pass on those lessons to you. A mentor doesn’t just have

a good grasp of the specific knowledge you need to succeed, like how to create better Facebook ads or how to bring

a product to market. They also possess an intuition that’s been honed over the course of many years doing what you

hope to do, that can help you confirm, abandon, or shape some of your own business instincts. A mentor helps you

find your best self faster than time alone would allow. Mentorship occurs naturally in nearly every field. But in the

world of business, especially, you’d be hard-pressed to find a success story that didn’t involve a mentor or three along

the way:

Warren Buffett credits Benjamin Graham with helping to shape him into a savvy investor.

Richard Branson says his uncle taught him how to harness his eccentricity into entrepreneurial endeavours.

Oprah Winfrey recognizes the influence that poet Maya Angelou had on her, not just through her writing, but as a

friend and mentor.

In fact, according to a survey of over 180 business owners conducted by UPS, 70% of the entrepreneurs that

underwent mentoring had businesses that survived for 5 or more years. That's double the rate of businesses that

didn't have the advantage of a mentor. But perhaps most important to note is that a mentor isn’t a consultant. A true

mentor won’t charge you a fee for their advice. Nor will they do the work for you. A mentor, in an ideal situation,

becomes a valuable friend. They see you as a good investment of their time because they see value in you as a

person, and vice versa. That’s because mentorship is part of a cycle of good karma that involves giving back to those

who would walk a similar path because someone did the same for you. Anyone who’s achieved some success in life

will likely reflect on their journey and wish they knew back then what they know now. And while time travelling is off

the table, imparting those experiences and lessons in the next generation is a nice alternative.

The Right (And Wrong) Way to Pursue Mentorship

Mentorships are formed in all kinds of ways—there’s no single method to follow. However, a mentor should ideally be

someone whose work or career you genuinely admire. A mentorship is a relationship after all and it needs to be built

on mutual respect.

A good mentor:

Has a visible, verifiable track record of success in the area you want to grow in.

Is open, friendly, and appreciates curiosity.

Is passionate about their field and craft (this often translates into a desire to teach).

Has a decent work/life balance and can spare a few moments to chat to you on a regular basis.

Is thoughtful and considerate, and doesn't make up assured answers to questions just to appear

knowledgeable.

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Has been mentored in the past and understands how valuable mentorship is to someone who's just starting

out.

Many mentorships happen organically, starting off as friends or colleagues or as teacher-and-student. Sometimes the

mentor sees potential and promise in a mentee and believes it’s worthwhile to cultivate it by offering advice or a

sounding board for their ideas. Sometimes, the mentee has to actively seek out the experience and advice of the

mentor. But it’s also possible, through networking and cold outreach, to forge these relationships from scratch

yourself.

Using Cold Outreach to Find a Mentor

I've written a lot about the value of cold emailing as a way to network, create partnerships, and develop your

business. But it's also a good way to seek out advice from experienced strangers. Here’s a template you can adapt

that’s based on cold emails that have both worked for me (looking for career advice) and on me (people asking me

for career advice).

Hi [FIRST NAME]!

I stumbled across your profile on [WHERE YOU FOUND THEM] while I was doing some research into [WHAT YOU WANT TO DO]. I really liked [COOL WORK THEY DID].

I’m looking to [YOUR GOALS AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW TO ACHIEVE THEM] and would love to learn more about how you [WHAT THEY'VE DONE].

If you have some time this week — even if it’s for 15 minutes over a coffee, Skype or phone call—I’d love to pick your brain.

Have a great week!

Ideally, you’ll want to get some face time–whether it's in-person or over Skype/Hangout—with a potential mentor, so

you can establish a better connection with them and show them that you’re serious about success. Keep in mind that

these people, due to their own success, likely have an inbox full of people asking them for things. So try to be as

accommodating as possible. Here are some tips for entering into your initial conversation with a potential mentor:

Prepare a list of specific questions about both their story and your business.

Start by telling them about yourself so they have context around your pursuits and your problems.

Be conscious of their time and express your gratitude towards them (if you’re meeting them offline, offer to

pay for the coffee, drinks, or food).

Towards the end of the conversation, ask them if it’d be okay if you two stayed in touch or if you could shoot

them questions if you ever have any.

But above all, get a sense of how much you can be yourself around your potential mentor. A good, lasting mentorship

is built on a solid foundation of friendship, openness, and a mutual interest in a particular field.

Maintaining Your Relationship With a Mentor

One of the common misconceptions about mentorship is that the structure of a mentor and mentee relationship is

like that of master and student (think Yoda and Luke Skywalker or Batman and Robin). But that puts the responsibility

on the teacher's shoulders. Instead, look for mentorship opportunities where friendship, honesty, and mutual respect

can co-exist with a large gap in experience between you and your mentor.

According to Lois Zachary, author of The Mentee's Guide:

"We've come a long way from the mentor as the sage on the stage. Rather, the mentor is the guide on the side that

asks questions that take people to deeper places of insight. It's a dance, it's a partnership, and a mentor should not

be giving the answers, they should be raising the questions and should be helping the mentees to seek answers to

their own questions.

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Don't expect your mentor to do anything for you or even show you how to do something (there's Google for that).

Instead, rely on your mentor to check your own gut, validate your work, and learn how to think about your problems.

When you’re learning, you’re not supposed to look good. Be vulnerable and be curious. Mentorship is all about asking

questions. Often, the most stupid thing about 'stupid questions' is not asking them.

It can be hard to gauge how much commitment you'll get out of a potential mentor. Some will offer you a more

structured relationship where you regularly meet to check-in on how you're both doing. Others will offer the

occasional advice when you ask for it or help you out over a Google Hangout when you get stuck. Whatever the case,

the relationship should be founded on friendship and a common passion. Don't ask for too much of your mentor, but

if you'd like a bit more structure ask in a considerate manner that respects their time: "I get a lot of value out of these

conversations, what do you think about making this a regular thing—maybe once a month?"

The opportunity to watch you grow and develop and realize your ambitions is the main reason a mentor will give you

their time. But you should also try to offer them something in return—whether it’s to contribute one of your skills to

their project or just to spread the word about their latest venture. Even a "thank you" card or email is a nice token of

appreciation.

6 Places to Look to Find a Good Mentor

There are a ton of different ways to go about finding a good mentor. If you're lucky, you'll find one or two over the

natural course of your life's journey. But if not, you can hopefully find one with experience you can tap into in the

following ways.

1. Find a mentor match on Ten Thousand Coffees

Ten Thousand Coffees, for lack of a better analogy, is like a dating site for local mentorship and networking. It

streamlines the natural cycle of mentorship by letting you list your profile and browse a database of professionals

who are open to networking or mentoring the next generation. You can reach out to mentors you're interested in and,

as the name suggests, ask them to sit down for a cup of coffee and talk about careers. It's organized into "hubs" so

you can find people not just by skill set or industry, but by university, college, and company networks.

2. Meet experienced entrepreneurs at Meetups

Networking is easier in-person for a lot of people. And the internet has done a great job of coordinating passionate

people with shared interests into offline "meetups". You can find these events on sites like Meetup or EventBrite and

sign up for the ones that are relevant to you. Be sure to check out these networking tips before you attend.

3. Hop on a Clarity call

While Clarity isn’t exactly a mentorship platform (you have to pay to speak with these mentors), it does offer on-

demand consultant calls with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. It breaks experts out into specific areas

of business (business development or pitching to investors) for focused phone calls that cost anywhere from $1 to

$10 a minute. There’s also a place where you can post your questions and get answers from knowledgeable

entrepreneurs, similar to Quora.

4. Ask around in forums and online communities

There are also plenty of online communities for experienced and new entrepreneurs to talk about their business.

These forums are a good place to seek out mentors directly, as long as your post communicates your promise as an

entrepreneur and you put yourself out there in the right places. Reddit is home to all manner of subreddits where you

can ask around, including r/entrepreneur or r/smallbusiness. Do a search for "mentor" in these subreddits for

examples of how others have asked about mentorship opportunities in the past.

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5. Connect with potential mentors on LinkedIn

LinkedIn should be a fairly obvious avenue for connecting with potential mentors. But did you know that 89% of

senior leaders on LinkedIn are interested in giving advice? Not only do LinkedIn profiles let you search for specific

skills or experience that you’d want in a mentor, but you can also reach out to them directly with a connection request

even if you don't have their email.

6. Form a Mastermind Group

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely adventure of lifelong learning, but with a mastermind group it doesn’t have to be.

A mastermind group is a form of peer-mentorship. It’s an ongoing support group of like-minded people working on

their own projects while helping each other out, sharing experience and talent, and keeping each other on track with

regular meetings. To learn more about forming your own mastermind group, be sure to check out Corey Ferreira's

article about the topic.

Mentorship: A Cycle of Learning and Giving Back

There’s no cutting corners when it comes to growth. You need to throw yourself into your problems and figure things

out as you go. But you can accelerate your growth by finding a friend in a mentor, gaining access to free experience

that they already paid for themselves with time and effort. A mentor doesn't have to be a single person either. As long

as you're curious and put yourself out there, you can learn from all kinds of people with different experiences that you

don't have yet.

Those who benefit from mentorship also tend to be compelled to give back. Maybe you will too. And so the cycle

continues with today's entrepreneurs helping tomorrow's see their own version of success. We all likely know

someone who’s experienced a mental illness, yet there are still many hurtful attitudes that fuel discrimination, making

it harder for people in need to reach out for help. One in five Canadians are affected by mental illness, yet very few

seek help because of the stigmas associated with mental illness. While some people with mental illness may suffer

in silence, it affects most aspects of their lives. Many lose the support of family and friends, miss out on job

opportunities, or have trouble finding housing or advancing their education. Understandably, all of this further impacts

their well-being and self-image. We can all play a part in dispelling stigma associated with mental illness.

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TIPS FOR LOCATING A MENTOR SOURCE: Mentors Peer Resources

There are a number of ways you can locate a mentor on your own. You may prefer to develop an in-person

relationship or you may be quite happy with a relationship by telephone, mail, or e-mail. You might also discover that

you do not need an actual person to act as your mentor. As unusual as this might seem, mentoring can often come

from something you read or something you experience that can have profound meaning. What follows is a list of

some concrete ways you can place yourself in a position to locate a mentor.

Check with local businesses or organizations to determine whether they have a formal mentor program

you can access

Contact businesses or organizations to find out if they can provide you the names of any retired

executives who might be willing to act as volunteer mentors

Ask your local Chamber of Commerce whether they have created a mentor program or service

If you are enrolled in a college or university, make an appointment with their student career services to

find out if they have a list of volunteer mentors

Enroll in a college or university extension course to gain access to faculty members who could be

potential mentors

Go to your local library and scan the trade publications associated with your desired area and identify

potential mentors from the biographical or topical articles

Place an ad in a local newspaper requesting a mentor in your area

Place an ad on an internet site requesting a mentor in your area

Find the organizations or businesses on the internet that reflect your interest area and contact them by

e-mail to determine whether they have personnel who can act as mentors

Review the list of mentor matching services listed on the Peer Resources Mentor Pages to see if you fit

any of those programs

Connect with exhibit areas of conferences and conventions associated with your field; these are often

free admission events staffed by experienced persons who could be potential mentors

Use your network of friends and relatives to let them know what kind of person you want as a mentor.

Ask them to keep alert to someone who could help you

Visit a retirement or senior citizen center and let them know you are looking for a mentor in a certain

area

Use an internet search engine to find companies and organizations or individuals who are doing what

you want to do and determine their interest in helping you

Go to the library and search out books or articles on your topic; contact their authors

Read biographies of people who have been successful in your interest area; sometimes their

biography by itself can act as a mentor

Another option is to watch a video on YouTube by famed mentor Jack Canfield where he shares tips on

finding a mentor.

Once you've developed a plan to locate a mentor, it's essential to develop a strategy to persuade the potential mentor

that it will be worthwhile working with you. The core of any such plan is to be prepared prior to contact by reviewing

and making notes about the following (adapted from Scott Allen's "Choosing a Business Mentor and Getting Them to

Choose You)":

Define a list of your top goals for the mentoring relationship

Brainstorm a list of prospective mentors

Research available information about them

Select the top candidates who are aligned with your goals

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Write a letter or email to the mentor prospect requesting a meeting (You do not have to divulge at this

time that you are interested in a longer-term relationship with them, just that you are interested in

getting their input on what you are doing)

Call to set an appointment

Prepare a short list of questions regarding their feedback on your current situation

Meet with them, and if they're willing to take time away from their office, that's best; you pick up the tab

Ask them about their history, current situation, and goals

State your goals and ask your questions and take notes

If you like their responses, you can test the waters with them regarding an ongoing relationship, such

as: "I really appreciate your input on this, and I'd greatly value it on an ongoing basis. Would you be

willing to meet with me again next month to follow up on what we've discussed today?"

Send a thank-you note and perhaps a gift

Review your notes

Take action on their suggestions

Call to discuss the results of those actions and request a second appointment (assuming you're still

interested)

Propose a mentoring relationship. Be sure to spell out your goals and expectations, as well as your

commitment to them (a written agreement will show you are serious about the commitment)

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HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESS ADVISOR SOURCE: Quickbooks Resources Center

Business planning, financial projections, employee management, and customer acquisitions are just a few of the

issues that small business owners wrestle with. Startups and fast-growing companies have even more challenges —

and that’s where a business advisor is most valuable. Whether they’re helping with starting a new business or

managing an existing enterprise, small business advisors are seasoned professionals that help with strategic

business planning and crucial operational decisions.

Alas, great small business advisors, like great football coaches, are rare. Here are some tips to finding the perfect

small business coach, so you can score a few more touchdowns and experience a lot fewer fumbles:

1) Look for an advisor who’s managed a small business.

Small businesses are a different animal than large corporations. Find a business coach that understands the

special challenges of small business, including recruiting and retaining employees, capital funding, product

marketing, and keeping up with technology. Additionally, target an advisor who had success with your

biggest business challenge. For instance, if your main roadblock is distribution, target an advisor who is a

distribution channels expert.

2) Look for an advisor with credentials.

A business advisor doesn’t necessarily need credentials, a special license, or a degree to give his opinion on

how you should run your business, but it doesn’t hurt. Because anyone can set up shop as an advisor, look

for someone with a business degree, MBA, or other coaching credentials such as CPCP (Certified

Professional Coach Program), ACC (Associate Certified Coach), PCC (Professional Certified Coach), or MCC

(Master Certified Coach) for added peace of mind that you’re getting good advice.

3) Choose an advisor who focuses on your niche.

An advisor that specializes in your industry will speak your language, understand your business concerns,

and know the competitive umbrella your business operates under. If you’re lucky, he’ll have some great

industry contacts too.

4) Find an advisor through SCORE [only available in the US].

SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate

entrepreneurially-minded individuals nationwide in the creation, growth, and success of small businesses.

With over 11,200 volunteers nationwide, SCORE offers free help with small business planning and other

advice. Find a SCORE advisor through the website’s handy search function or visit your local SCORE office.

5) Check out the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC).

Founded in 1997, the WABC is an international association aimed at the leadership and development of

worldwide business coaching. The WABC requires rigorous membership requirements based upon coaching

experience, references, and business expertise. With over 1,000 business coaches spanning 30 countries,

the WABC is a great advisory resource.

6) Ask for referrals.

Last but not least, ask your mentors, work associates, and members of social networks who they have used

and would recommend in a business advisor capacity.

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8 TIPS FOR AN AMAZING MENTOR RELATIONSHIP

Source: Forbes

Many successful people attribute at least part of their success to having a mentor. The right mentor can provide

advice and connections that help their mentee reach heights that would be impossible alone.

Here are some pieces of advice on mentorship, with perspectives from successful tech professionals who have seen

its benefits firsthand.

1. Mentorship requires intentional investments of time and energy; you get what you put in.

Being a mentee is not a passive role. When you have a mentor, it's your job to define your own goals, cultivate the

relationship, seek out advice, attend meetings or events you're invited to, and so on.

"Building a strong network of mentors requires commitment of time and energy, but with these types of relationships,

you absolutely get out of them what you put in," says Andrew Rubin, cofounder & CEO of Illumio. "The more you know

yourself, what you are good at, what you are not, the more value you and your mentors will get out of the relationship.

Then make time to invest in those relationships.”

Says Brett Caine, CEO of Urban Airship, "Mentor relationships must be tended to and are constantly evolving. Those

experiences and discussions culminate in a stronger bond to navigate more complex life or business discussions in

the future."

2. Experienced perspectives are invaluable for young careers and companies.

While mentorship can be valuable at any stage of a career, it's especially important when the mentee doesn't have as

much personal experience in the industry. With a mentor, they can benefit from the insights gained through years of

experience--without having to spend years of trial and error themselves. "When I first started my career, I discounted

the importance of experience," says Mark Schulze, cofounder of Clover & VP of Business Development at First Data.

"A strong mentor has the experience to help a startup avoid the pitfalls and identify possibly paths to success. Often

entrepreneurs feel like there isn't time, but the time and trouble you can save by working with a good mentor is

invaluable."

Vivek Ravisankar, cofounder and CEO of HackerRank, still experiences this firsthand in his career. "As a first-time

founder, I look to people who have lived through the experiences and challenges that I face every day in building and

scaling my company. I’ve found it invaluable to have a board of advisors who have experience scaling companies and

can provide valuable, actionable advice."

3. The best mentors are the ones who can fill gaps in your skillset. Don't seek a mentor who's your clone.

Every entrepreneur has their own strengths and weaknesses. And while mentors can certainly help make the

strengths even stronger, it's usually even more valuable to have someone who can give advice in areas where you're

struggling.

"Entrepreneurship is essentially about constantly learning, and having great mentors is crucial to learning fast," says

Jyoti Bansal, founder and CEO of BIG Labs. "In particular, it's important for for a mentor to supplement the strengths

that the entrepreneur brings to the table. For example--I came to the game as a strong technologist, but had to learn

about the science of enterprise sales, finance/operations, etc. An entrepreneur should always select a mentor that

fills the gaps in his/her experience and skill set."

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4. You don't always have to follow a mentor's advice--but listen to it and evaluate it.

One important thing to understand about mentorship is that the mentor can't live your life for you. They're there to

provide advice and perspective and make you think differently--not make unilateral decisions for you. "Counsel need

not always be followed, but should always be carefully considered," advises Caine.

“The role of the mentor is to make you reflect, not to give you advice or answers. Helping you ask the right questions--

that’s real mentorship," explains Marten Mickos, CEO of HackerOne.

5. Anyone can be a mentor--even without knowing it.

If you go through life with the perspective that you have something to learn from everyone you meet, you'll collect a

lot of informal mentors along the way.

"In my own life and career, I have had numerous mentors, most of them accidental, and many of them unaware that I

saw them as mentors," says Mickos. "At one point I decided that any person I meet will be treated by me as a mentor

for the time the interaction lasts. In an Uber or Lyft, the driver can be my mentor for a few minutes. Among friends, I

seek out mentorship moments. I even have fantasy mentors, i.e. I envision myself being mentored by someone I

admire (for instance, Winston Churchill) and I try to figure out what questions that mentor would ask me. It works!"

6. Diversity of mentorship is important.

It's common to have one person you regard as a primary mentor, but that doesn't mean you can't seek out a variety of

perspectives on a more informal basis as well.

Susan Liu, Principal at Scale Venture Partners, says, “At Scale Venture Partners, half of our investing partners are

women and all of the men are naturalized citizens. Having such a diverse set of mentors has helped me realize that

there isn’t a cookie-cutter for success in VC, or any industry for that matter. This gives me confidence in my own

career path, and has helped shape the way I think about investing and entrepreneurship.”

Rubin also encourages seeking out mentors who bring other perspectives to light: "I always encourage people to find

mentors who you not only trust to be sources of counsel throughout your career, but also who bring a different point

of view to your own."

7. There are specific things you can do to being a good mentee.

Often, people consider the "burden" of mentorship to be on the mentor. But mentees can take responsibility for

cultivating the experience of mentorship too.

"The biggest difference between people having a successful mentor relationship boils down to initiative," says Tyler

Perry, partner at Bateman Group: “Many thoughtful pieces have been written about how to be a good mentor, but

there is less attention on how to be a good mentee. When I look at those that I have mentored and those that are

getting a lot out of the program have some clear similarities:

They thoughtfully select the right person.

They establish the framework of the relationship.

They work at the relationship.

They are prepared with specific questions, areas for feedback, and requests for support.”

8. Mentorship is beneficial for the mentors too.

Finally, just as the responsibilities of mentorship are shared by mentees, the benefits are shared by mentors.

"The most successful mentorships are the ones that are a two-way experience where both sides benefit from the

relationship," says Caine. "In these relationships, the mentor experiences satisfaction and new perspectives by

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providing guidance and insight to the person seeking advice, while the mentee gains the benefit of experienced

advice."

"We tend to think that mentorship was designed to help the mentees, the up-and-coming. But mentorship helps the

mentor too," adds Mickos. "To be a mentor makes you a more understanding human being. It keeps your mind young

and your skills fresh. Successful people who don’t start to mentor others will over time lose touch with their own

excellence. Mentoring someone connects you back to the original you who became so excellent."

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5 INGREDIENTS TO BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE MENTOR-MENTEE RELATIONSHIP SOURCE: AMA Triangle

1. Prioritize In order for a mentor-mentee relationship to be productive, both participants must make their partnership a

high priority. They should take their relationship seriously, both equally putting in the effort required to meet

their defined mentorship goals.

2. Communicate Two-way communication is key to an effective mentoring relationship. Mentors and mentees should be

working together to see that their goals and objectives are being met, with milestones and progress being

recorded. They should meet regularly through whichever communication method works best for them — in

person, via email, by phone, Google Hangout, etc.

3. Trust The mentor and mentee must establish trust with one another as effective mentorship requires that both

mentor and mentee rely on each other to meet their goals. When first kicking off their relationship, the

mentor and mentee should agree to protect each other’s confidential information.

4. Purpose Both participants must agree to the same defined goals and understand what is expected of them to

achieve by the end of the mentorship program. This knowledge will allow them to form a plan around how

best to achieve the outcomes they want, which will ultimately benefit your company.

5. Feedback

The mentor and mentee should be forthright in providing constructive and honest feedback to their

counterpart. They should also be patient, listening to and responding to feedback given to them.

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KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS SOURCE: Journal of Extension Mentoring is an effective method of helping inexperienced individuals develop and progress in their profession.

Extension staff have many opportunities to mentor volunteers and other community partners. The keys to

establishing a successful mentoring relationship include creating a relationship of trust, clearly defining roles and

responsibilities, establishing short- and long-term goals, using open and supportive communication, and

collaboratively solving problems.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mentor as a trusted counselor or guide. A mentor is an individual, usually

older, always more experienced, who helps guide another individual's development. The mentor's role is to guide, to

give advice, and to support the mentee. A mentor can help a person (mentee) improve his or her abilities and skills

through observation, assessment, modeling, and by providing guidance.

The following are four keys to establishing successful mentor-mentee relationships.

Key #1: Develop a Relationship of Trust

Develop a relationship of trust. Relationships need to be built before any effective mentoring can take place. An

environment of trust and mutuality must be established. It is important for the mentor and mentee to become

acquainted with each other. Begin each relationship with a getting-to-know-you session. The mentor should greet the

mentee warmly and help the mentee identify his or her professional needs and goals. The mentor should learn about

the mentee's educational background and experience, and share information about his or her own background and

experience. The mentor can then continue to build upon the mentees strengths, needs, and goals throughout the

mentoring period.

Key #2: Define Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both the mentor and the mentee. Typically, a mentee is more receptive

to feedback if he or she feels like an active participant in the relationship. Questions to consider include: What will the

role of the mentor be? What types of mentoring will be most effective? What are the responsibilities of the mentee

and mentor? For example, the mentee may be required to attend specific training given by the mentor or complete a

certain number of mutually determined goals during the mentoring period.

Key #3: Establish Short and Long Term Goals

Establish short- and long-term goals. Mentors and mentees should work together to develop mutually agreed upon

goals. These goals become the basis for the mentoring activities. For example, a mentor and mentee might

determine they want to improve math and science experiences within the preschool classroom. A short-term goal

could be to create new interest centers within the classroom featuring items such as sea shells, pine cones, rocks,

and magnifying glasses. A long-term goal could be to facilitate ongoing classroom activities using the materials in a

variety of experiences. The mentor would then support the mentee in reaching these goals.

Mentors need to provide constructive feedback to mentees on goal progression. Mentees should have an opportunity

to be reflective on their actions and be given written feedback to review. The mentor can note their observations in a

positive, constructive manner and describe any actions taken by the mentee in connection to the established goals.

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Later the mentor and mentees can review the observations and determine the next steps. Open, respectful, and

supportive communication is essential to this process and should include the following:

Active listening. Mentors must be skilled at actively listening to concerns. Feelings are important, and greater trust is

established when a mentee feels he or she can safely share thoughts and feelings with the mentor. Timing is

everything. Mentors must be sensitive to the timing of feedback. If emotions are high or a mentee seems defensive,

mentors need to back off and reschedule another time for giving feedback or address the perceived barriers. Value

each other's feedback. Even experienced teachers can learn new ways of thinking and doing things. Mentors and

mentees must value and be responsive to each other's feedback.

Key #4: Collaborate to Solve Problems

Be collaborative in solving problems. Mentors need to allow mentees the opportunity to identify concerns and

potential solutions. Mentors should encourage mentees to take risks and do things differently by implementing

creative solutions. Mentors can improve the outcome of their mentoring by doing the following together:

Identify the specific concern.

Brainstorm possible solutions. The mentor can offer ideas, but the mentee should be allowed to choose

which plan to put into action.

Select a plan to try, and discuss desired outcomes.

Implement the plan. The mentor should be supportive and encouraging, and reinforce successful

completion of the plan.

Assess the outcome together. The mentor and mentee should be reflective and discuss the effectiveness of

the activity and make adjustments as needed.

Try another solution, if needed. It is important for mentors to remember that there are many different ways

to address an issue and that the mentor's way may not be the most effective solution for the mentee.

Celebrate successful results.

Benefits of Mentoring

There are many benefits to successful mentoring relationships. Mentees are able to learn and grow under the

mentor's guidance. Mentees are able to experiment with creative solutions to problems within a safe and supportive

environment. Mentees become stronger and more intentional in their teaching.

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NETWORKING AND MENTORSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

Career & Business Meetups

Find out what's happening in Career & Business Meetup groups around the world and start meeting up with the ones

near you.

Clarity

Paid on-demand consultant calls with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs.

Facebook Group: Millionaire Mindset

Millionaire Mindset is a public group where they share motivational business quotes and entrepreneurs ask questions

for advice. The group is active and a great resource for anyone looking to join a community of business people to

help inspire them.

Facebook Group: Young Entrepreneur Council

Young Entrepreneur Council has been a gold mine of networking opportunities, and it has really helped to grow my

business. The YEC Facebook group is just one facet of what the YEC does, but it’s an extremely useful one. I enjoy

reading what entrepreneurs like me have to say on a wide variety of business-related topics.

Goodwall

Goodwall is a networking app that lets you tell your story, discover new opportunities and be recognized for your

achievements.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social network specifically designed for career and business professionals to connect.

Mentor City

Get connected with a mentor with similar interests and experience around the world.

Mentor Network

MENTORnetwork is committed to building a culture of mentorship for entrepreneurs around the world.

Ten Thousand Coffees

Join existing communities with shared interests and professional expertise, automatically get paired with mentors

and peers.

RBC Future Launch – Grow Your Network

Every network has to start somewhere, so whether you’re tuned in or just starting fresh, RBC is available to help you

take your network to the next level.

Young Women in Business (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver)

Young Women in Business is a community for emerging female leaders and young professionals who want to create

their own success.