Successful people have mentors and trainers. We can’t see our blind spots.
So you are thinking about hiring a mentor. Good for you! Successful people have mentors and trainers . We can’t see our blind spots. We have difficulty measuring and critiquing our own performance in a straight and compassionate way. We are either too easy or too hard on ourselves, neither of which is helpful. So how do you select the right coach for you?
Make a list. Let me give you an example. I am looking for a new VA. Today I sat down and wrote down all the qualities I want in an ideal person to fill that spot. Am I likely to get all of them met? No. But now I have a list I can interview from. I can ask specific questions that will lead me to a satisfying conclusion; a VA that matches my needs and values. Because some people interview well, right? And some people take a couple of conversations to really get related.
This way, the conversation is focused and specific on the list I made. And I am likely to find someone who is a match for me and who will work well with me. Does this require some time and forethought? Yes, but not as much as you think. I was done in less than ten minutes and got a burst of confidence and motivation to go with it! And, I’m going to ask them to come with a similar list about me. What are the qualities they are looking for in an entrepreneur? And then have them interview me!
The next step is for me to run this list by people who know me and what I am up to to see if I missed anything. This is a critical step that if you don’t take it, it can lead to problems later. I have been working on myself and my life for forty five years. But I still can’t see all of me! So ask your people for help and feedback.
There is a future that wants to unfold. Who I choose can add or subtract from the velocity and experience of that future. So I am going to use my mind, my heart and my community to have it go as well as possible. I’m going to find someone who will add power and possibility to my process.
Next thing to consider is your people as a resource. Put the word out you are looking and give them the list of qualities as well. They may know someone who is a perfect fit! Start with people who know you, love you and want you to win. Make it EASY. You can always throw a wider net later if you need to.
The interview process should involve some emails first. Ask mentors to follow some instructions in the email to see who is paying attention and wants your business. If they miss something, consider the mentors who did it correctly. It shows they care and pay attention to the details right from the start.
Ask for a complimentary session. Almost all mentors do this and it’s a great chance to see if you are a match. Don’t waste time doing this with ten mentors! Do the reading and research to find a few people who are a likely match(business mentor, relationship mentor, money mentor, etc.) and then take each other for a test drive. If the first conversation gives you a sense, say thank you and then take some time to consider your choices. If you need another session, ask for it. I sometimes can get it clear in thirty minutes. Other times it takes three calls. Speaking of calls, do you want video or audio? Does the mentor have a preference? Some do. Do you? Make sure your style and theirs is a match.
Look at your budget. How much can you afford monthly? If it goes really well, how many months could you afford? And be clear on your projects and your goals in each project. Unless you’re not! And then have a mentoring conversation about that.
So, there is some pre-work to do. But in the end, you and the mentor will have a much better relationship and more success when you take this on. Take the time to make the right mentor selection for you...