How to Talk to Your Mentors
Connecting with your mentors can be a game-changer in your personal and professional life. But how do you actually reach out to those you admire? Here’s a guide to help you reset your approach to finding and connecting with mentors, even those who seem out of reach.
(When I say “Mentor,” I’m referring to someone you value enough that, given the opportunity, you’d sit down with them for a coffee.)
1. Find Interviews Online
If you’re hesitant to reach out directly, start by immersing yourself in their world from a distance. You can find interviews, talks, and lectures from your mentors online, especially on platforms like YouTube. Create a playlist of their content, take notes, and engage with other fans in the comments.
This is a great first step if you’re not ready to connect directly. By understanding their thoughts, values, and experiences through these interviews, you’ll gain insights that can later serve as conversation starters if you choose to reach out.
2. Send Direct Emails
When you’re ready to make a direct connection, email can be a powerful tool. But don’t just send a generic message (they get thousands of those). To stand out, you need to provide value upfront. If you feel you don’t have much to offer, you can make up for that with effort.
Here’s how to do it:
Research Thoroughly: Understand what your mentor values, what they’re working on, and what challenges they face.
Offer Help: Think about how you can help them achieve their goals. Even small offers of assistance can make a difference.
Find Common Ground: If you share a connection—such as attending the same school, being part of the same team, or having similar interests—mention this in your email as an opener. It helps build rapport and gives them a reason to take notice.
3. Leverage Your Network
Another effective method is to use your network to reach that person. This might take some time, but you’ll be surprised how many people you can connect with by asking your friends to ask their friends, and so on. The degrees of separation might be fewer than you think.
Here’s how to approach it:
Start with Your Close Network: Ask your friends if they know anyone who might be connected to the person you’re trying to reach.
Expand Outwards: If your direct friends don’t have a connection, ask them to check with their friends. Keep expanding your request until you find a link.
Be Clear About Your Intentions: When you do find a connection, be clear about why you want to connect and what you hope to gain from the interaction.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Whether you start by watching interviews, sending a thoughtful email, or tapping into your network, the key is to take action. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to make that connection.
So go ahead—reach out to your mentors, and start building relationships that can transform your life.
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