Whether you’re working for a company or trying to start your own business, it’s natural to feel lost every once in a while. Maybe you feel like your growth has plateaued and you’re just not sure what to do next.
In times like these, it helps to talk to someone who has been there; someone who can guide you and provide career advice. You want to find a mentor.
The Key Benefits of Having a Mentor
The advantages of having a mentor are immense. When you get advice from someone who has traveled down the path you’re on, it’s like having a map that tells you where you need to go next. Things become more clear and you’re able to grow more rapidly.
Some of the major benefits of having a mentor:
- Greater job satisfaction
- Increased salary potential
- Network expansion
- Gained confidence
Where to search for a mentor
While the benefits of having a mentor are numerous, finding the best fit can be tricky. You have to know where to look.
Here are three suggestions of where to start:
1. Ask around at work
If you have a day job, that’s the perfect place to ask around for guidance. Look out for individuals you admire who excel at their job. Ask to pick their brain, either for an in-person or virtual coffee. Feel things out, ask questions and see if they’d be interested in sharing their insights.
2. Join a networking group
By doing a quick search online, you’re sure to find a bounty of networking groups, many dedicated to your specific industry. Attend their events, make connections and put yourself out there. If you don’t find a mentor right off the bat, don’t be discouraged. Remember, it’s a numbers game.
3. Use social media
It’s no secret how powerful social media can be for your business, but people often fail to take full advantage of their online network. To find a mentor online, either make a post, message your past connections directly, or both. The advantage of this method is that you’ve already established rapport with this audience, so they’re more likely to help you out.
Finding a mentor
Finding a mentor can increase your career momentum by magnitudes. You just need to know where to look. If you want more guidance on the subject, the folks at Teach.com created a comprehensive guide on how to find a mentor.
While searching for a mentor might seem difficult, once you find the right fit, it’s well worth it. Once everything’s said and done, you may consider becoming a mentor yourself.
This infographic was created by Teach.com .