8 Secrets To Finding A Mentor And Learning To Net-Workit

Sponsor, mentor, teacher, guru, whatever you want to call it, the bottom line is Nobody Gets Anywhere Without Help from Someone. Remember, at some point every person has asked for advice or help finding an internship/job.

1.

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Ask for an informational interview.

Schedule informational calls and meetings with anyone and everyone who is doing work you admire.Keep your request simple and direct. Who are you and what do you need?

2.

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Research and prepare.

If he/she has written an article or is known as an expert on a particular topic, be sure to craft thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research.

Casually reference the person's articles/expertise in your conversation, without sounding like a fanatic. Instead prove you are knowledgeable, prepared, and familiar with the field.

3.

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Send thank you e-mails AND cards.

Share specifics on what you took away from your conversation and what action steps you are taking after your initial meeting, and always make sure to be appreciative of their time and interest in your future

4.

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Keep in touch.

If half of relationship building is just showing up, the other half is keeping in touch!

5.

Connect online and engage!

Social media allows a great opportunity to stay on people’s radar so they don’t find themselves struggling to remember who you are next time you reach out. Connect on Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter.

6.

Add value. Why should they want to keep in touch with YOU? It's a 2 way street.

Let your contacts know you are thinking of them and interested in adding value to their work by wishing them a happy holiday or sharing articles and resources periodically.

7.

Send updates to feed your network fire.

At least 2x a year to let them know what projects you are working on, and see if they have time to schedule a call or meeting to catch up (Keith Ferrazzi calls this feeding the fire of your network so it doesn’t wither or die)

8.

Offer to be a resource to them.

You can help mentor their kids/relatives, help their company with social media, house-sitting, pet-sitting, etc.