Who’s in your corner right now? I don’t mean your friends who hype you up or your coworker who shares memes during Zoom meetings. I mean—who’s ahead of you in the area you want to grow? Who’s already done what you’re trying to do, and can guide you through it?
If the answer is “no one,” don’t panic. You’re not alone. Most people go through their careers and businesses trying to figure everything out on their own. And it’s exhausting. You second-guess every move, make the same mistakes as the people before you, and slow down your progress for years—just because you didn’t have someone to help you shortcut the process.
That’s where a mentor comes in.
A mentor is someone who’s walked the path ahead of you—and is willing to turn around and help. But mentors don’t just show up at your front door with a welcome basket. You’ve got to be intentional about finding them, building the relationship, and making it worthwhile for both of you.
Let’s talk about how to do that.
Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on What You Need
Before you start sending messages or joining networking groups, you need to know what you’re looking for. If you’re vague, you’ll waste time chasing the wrong people. So start by asking yourself:
- What specific area do I want to grow in right now?
- What kind of experience does my ideal mentor have?
- What kind of energy, values, and communication style would complement mine?
You don’t need someone who’s perfect. You need someone whose current reality looks like your future goal.
Be honest here. Do you need someone to help you launch a product? Navigate a career shift? Level up your public speaking? Be as specific as you can. The clearer your ask, the easier it will be to spot the right fit when they show up.
Step 2: Go Where Mentors Already Are
Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s find them. The good news is, you don’t have to stalk random LinkedIn profiles and hope for the best. There are actual platforms built for this.
Here are a few to start with:
MentorCruise – Perfect for people in tech, product design, and startups. You can browse mentors based on skills, experience, and price. Most offer a free trial week.
GrowthMentor – Best for marketers, solopreneurs, and startup founders. One subscription gets you access to dozens of vetted mentors for unlimited 1:1 calls.
Clarity.fm – Need targeted advice fast? This one connects you to experts you pay by the minute. Great for solving specific problems in one call.
Pelion – For developers who want guidance from senior engineers at top tech companies. Pricey, but premium.
These platforms aren’t free, but here’s the truth: the right mentorship can pay for itself ten times over. If you’re serious about growth, consider it an investment.
Step 3: Leverage the Network You Already Have
Here’s the part most people overlook: Your ideal mentor might already be in your circle—or one connection away.
Think back through your old jobs, classes, clients, social circles. Who’s already achieved what you’re working toward? Who’s a few chapters ahead of you?
Once you’ve got a shortlist, reach out. Not with a vague “Can you mentor me?” but with a clear, respectful message. Something like:
“Hey [Name], I’ve always admired how you [specific achievement]. I’m working on a similar goal and would love to hear more about how you got there. Would you be open to a quick call or coffee sometime?”
This is how mentorship starts. Not with a pitch. With a conversation.
Step 4: Use Social Media the Smart Way
Social media is one of the most underrated tools for mentorship—if you use it right.
The move is not to cold-DM strangers with long life stories. The move is to show up where they already are. Comment on their posts. Share their work. Ask thoughtful questions. Let them notice you before you ever ask for anything.
Then, when you do reach out, keep it tight:
“Hey [Name], I’ve been following your posts on [topic]—really appreciate the way you explain things. I’m trying to grow in that area myself. If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask you a few questions sometime.”
Not pushy. Not presumptuous. Just intentional.
The best platforms for this?
LinkedIn (especially for professionals), Instagram (for creatives and personal brands), Twitter/X (for startups and investors), and Reddit or GitHub (for developers and tech communities).
Step 5: Show Up at the Right Events
Online is great—but don’t sleep on events. Even one good conversation can open a door you never saw coming.
Look for:
- Industry meetups
- Conferences
- Workshops or bootcamps
- Volunteer events
- Networking nights
- Talks and panels
Your mission isn’t to pitch yourself. It’s to connect. Ask smart questions. Be curious. And when someone impresses you, follow up. A quick, “I really appreciated what you shared about [topic]—can we stay in touch?” can go a long way.
Step 6: Be a Great Mentee
Finding a mentor is only half the game. The other half? Being the kind of mentee they want to invest in.
Here’s how you do that:
1. Have goals. Don’t just show up and say, “Teach me stuff.” Know what you want from the relationship and share it clearly.
2. Come prepared. Every time you meet, have questions. Updates. Wins and struggles. This shows respect for their time.
3. Take feedback like a pro. Your mentor’s job isn’t to flatter you. It’s to challenge you. If they give you hard truths, lean in. That’s how you grow.
4. Follow through. Nothing earns respect faster than doing what you said you’d do. If they give you advice, try it. Then report back with results.
And if the relationship isn’t working? Be honest. It’s okay to move on. Just do it with kindness and gratitude.
So Why Find a Mentor in the First Place?
Because life is too short to figure it all out alone.
A good mentor shortens your learning curve. Helps you avoid landmines. Connects you to people and ideas you never would’ve found on your own. They help you grow faster, smarter, and with way less stress.
You can have multiple mentors, by the way. One for your business, another for public speaking, another for mindset. Think of it like building your own personal board of directors.
And you don’t need to wait until you’re “ready.” You’re ready now.
So here’s your challenge:
This week, reach out to one person who could help you grow.
Send the message. Make the ask. Start the relationship.
Because your next breakthrough probably isn’t in another book or podcast. It’s in a conversation with someone who’s already been where you’re going.
Go find them.
