7 answers
Alejandro
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
2215 views
Contacting Business Mentors!?
What is the best way to get in contact with people that would be willing to become life/career/business mentors. Im looking forward to learning from people with previous experiences, and being able to avoid a lot of mistakes as I develop in my business journey.
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7 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alejandro !
I don't want you to get the wrong impression, but having a Mentor will NOT cause you to avoid mistakes in your career. A mentor should be a friend who is a professional in your career choice that cares about you on a personal level.
The best scenario for a mentor is someone that you know in person (NOT ONLINE) who you become friends with, do things together and is a professional in the actual career you aspire to. I say this because if this scenario is not the way one does it, it than just becomes words on a website or e-mail. If you can find someone that you actually socialize with and become friends with, someone who genuinely knows you and cares about you, now that is the best mentor you can find.
You can join clubs and extracurriculars which will have people in your chosen field that will have a friend or relative that you can meet and strike up a relationship with and it may turn into a mentorship/friendship. If you are 18 or older, you can join Toastmasters and meet a lot of business people that may develop into friendships to have a valuable mentor.
If you opt for the online mentor scenario, it may be one dimensional, you'll have to be extremely detailed in what you ask, the person typing or answering will not know you, your personality and social ways to individualize advice enough and you won't get spontaneous mentoring because you won't be socializing with a tech mentor. There is a mentor program here at Career Village and you can find others by doing a search online.
I have two mentors for my career, one who recently passed away at age 100 and the other one, she's 86, I speak with almost every day. They know me/knew me socially for a very long time, we are and were friends and they knew/know exactly what to advise me and when and explained their advice and why it was pertinent to me specifically. The help was not generalized. This method does not have to be a thing of the past. Electronic mentoring will be more like online advising than true mentoring. Things change, I understand, but I always wish for the best for students and something that makes them feel validated by someone who really knows them and cares about them in a direct way.
So, my advice is to increase your socialization, be around as many business people and clubs and activities as you can and realize that the type of mentor of yesteryear develops and is not something you find online, but you have a choice.
I don't want you to get the wrong impression, but having a Mentor will NOT cause you to avoid mistakes in your career. A mentor should be a friend who is a professional in your career choice that cares about you on a personal level.
The best scenario for a mentor is someone that you know in person (NOT ONLINE) who you become friends with, do things together and is a professional in the actual career you aspire to. I say this because if this scenario is not the way one does it, it than just becomes words on a website or e-mail. If you can find someone that you actually socialize with and become friends with, someone who genuinely knows you and cares about you, now that is the best mentor you can find.
You can join clubs and extracurriculars which will have people in your chosen field that will have a friend or relative that you can meet and strike up a relationship with and it may turn into a mentorship/friendship. If you are 18 or older, you can join Toastmasters and meet a lot of business people that may develop into friendships to have a valuable mentor.
If you opt for the online mentor scenario, it may be one dimensional, you'll have to be extremely detailed in what you ask, the person typing or answering will not know you, your personality and social ways to individualize advice enough and you won't get spontaneous mentoring because you won't be socializing with a tech mentor. There is a mentor program here at Career Village and you can find others by doing a search online.
I have two mentors for my career, one who recently passed away at age 100 and the other one, she's 86, I speak with almost every day. They know me/knew me socially for a very long time, we are and were friends and they knew/know exactly what to advise me and when and explained their advice and why it was pertinent to me specifically. The help was not generalized. This method does not have to be a thing of the past. Electronic mentoring will be more like online advising than true mentoring. Things change, I understand, but I always wish for the best for students and something that makes them feel validated by someone who really knows them and cares about them in a direct way.
So, my advice is to increase your socialization, be around as many business people and clubs and activities as you can and realize that the type of mentor of yesteryear develops and is not something you find online, but you have a choice.
Thank you, Michelle for the advice.
Alejandro
You are very welcome !
Michelle M.
This is great advice. I could not have said it any better. Reread this response several times and take action.
Wyatt .
@Wyatt - Thank you ever so much !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Alejandro!
Any mentors whom you enlist need to be totally committed to your cause, believing in your mission statement!
NOT JUST BEFRIEND ASSOCIATES!
WORK ON THE NETWORKING:- Network methods include: - ‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions ‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people pick your brain at seminars - answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences ‣ Join online communities
‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people ‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs ‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speak groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists. GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS. VOLUNTEER.
Networking is good for business! Unlike direct sales, the goal of networking is to start a relationship by finding common ground between yourself and another person. It may turn out that their needs or interests could be met by your firm’s services.
Be strategic and have a plan in place. Try not to race around to every business networking event. Think ahead and plan which ones you want to go to. First, determine which events are the best fit with your personal expertise and your firm’s capabilities. Typical examples of business networking events you might attend are chamber of commerce get-togethers, investor events, tradeshows and industry gatherings. If you’re in a senior role at your firm, you should be able to talk comfortably about key topics including:-
● your own areas of expertise
● the history of your firm
● your firm’s strengths and points of difference
● how your firm’s services can benefit the person with you’re talking to
current industry news
● upcoming trends
Be prepared and do your research. Are you attending an event with a large number of attendees from the same industry? Take time beforehand to identify key trends in that industry – especially those that may be affecting local businesses. This can be taken a step further if you find out who’ll be at the event. Learn how their business is doing and what challenges they are facing. And check out their website and social media links.
If you want your business networking to be successful, don’t go there to catch up with old friends. Find new faces and strike up a conversation. If people you know are casually speaking with strangers you may be able to make an introduction or be introduced. But try to be polite and avoid interrupting anyone’s conversations.
Make quality connections your priority! If creating great connections was as simple as handing out 1,000 business cards, everyone would be doing it. But quality is much more important than quantity. So remember:-
always try and make a good impression with new people
always seek new people that may benefit your business
Three great new connections are more valuable than thirty average connections.
Have your elevator pitch ready. A Special Spiel! An effective elevator pitch needs to be more than just a 30 to 60-second snapshot of you or your firm. To achieve your goals, make sure that you can easily tailor it to the needs of the person you’re talking to. Try to get your pitch down to a couple of sentences. Focus on your key specialties. Get them interested in and excited about your firm. If your initial pitch is compelling, there’ll be time later to explain the other things your firm does.
Listen carefully
Try to make the conversations at networking events about the needs of other people.
Volunteer in the community! Being involved in community groups and organizations will make you known to others who have similar interests. This could be community development, child-focused or sports groups. When you’re with like-minded people, you’ll find casual opportunities to share stories and network.
The golden rules of networking - If you want to network well, remember to do the following:-
Have a descriptive ‘personal brand statement’ prepared. For example, “Hi, I’m Dave Jones and I do the books for small businesses, so owners can focus on the things they love.”
Have plenty of business cards (but use them wisely).
Make a goal of handing out a certain number of business cards. Or have genuine conversations with the same number of people.
Go up and introduce yourself to people and start conversations with them.
Keep moving around the venue – don't just speak to one person.
Write the date and event on business cards you collect. This will help you remember when and where you met people.
Try business networking with a friendly and open attitude – you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Some people are put off by networking events because they are shy or introverted. Or they just struggle to start conversations with strangers. Networking isn’t for everyone, but if you think about what your business needs you might see it differently.
All firms want new customers. And they’re out there right now. People with common interests and shared experiences are a good place to start. If you’re smart, you’ll choose the right networking events and you’ll meet these people. And you’ll see how networking begins to work for your firm.
Or as a US Business Professor advises BEFRIEND very powerful individuals!
SEE https://www.belmont.edu/stories/articles/2025/10-tips-for-how-to-become-friends-with-your-professor.html
Befriend potential mentors! Seek individuals with multiple talents! Plenty of influence, money, and power! CEOs are good, Elon Musk would be great, he aims to amass USD 1 Trillion by 2030.
Some people are the unsung heroes, volunteers that get a pittance for their efforts. Select a mentor that has the capacity to effect the most positive changes for the least capital investment. There is no sin in selecting a nonagenarian mentor!
Why is entrepreneurship thematic? It is the inventive creativity, the genius that lifts business operations up many levels, as gauged by earning capacity and familiarity to consumers!
GOD BLESS!
Any mentors whom you enlist need to be totally committed to your cause, believing in your mission statement!
NOT JUST BEFRIEND ASSOCIATES!
WORK ON THE NETWORKING:- Network methods include: - ‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions ‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people pick your brain at seminars - answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences ‣ Join online communities
‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people ‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs ‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speak groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists. GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS. VOLUNTEER.
Networking is good for business! Unlike direct sales, the goal of networking is to start a relationship by finding common ground between yourself and another person. It may turn out that their needs or interests could be met by your firm’s services.
Be strategic and have a plan in place. Try not to race around to every business networking event. Think ahead and plan which ones you want to go to. First, determine which events are the best fit with your personal expertise and your firm’s capabilities. Typical examples of business networking events you might attend are chamber of commerce get-togethers, investor events, tradeshows and industry gatherings. If you’re in a senior role at your firm, you should be able to talk comfortably about key topics including:-
● your own areas of expertise
● the history of your firm
● your firm’s strengths and points of difference
● how your firm’s services can benefit the person with you’re talking to
current industry news
● upcoming trends
Be prepared and do your research. Are you attending an event with a large number of attendees from the same industry? Take time beforehand to identify key trends in that industry – especially those that may be affecting local businesses. This can be taken a step further if you find out who’ll be at the event. Learn how their business is doing and what challenges they are facing. And check out their website and social media links.
If you want your business networking to be successful, don’t go there to catch up with old friends. Find new faces and strike up a conversation. If people you know are casually speaking with strangers you may be able to make an introduction or be introduced. But try to be polite and avoid interrupting anyone’s conversations.
Make quality connections your priority! If creating great connections was as simple as handing out 1,000 business cards, everyone would be doing it. But quality is much more important than quantity. So remember:-
always try and make a good impression with new people
always seek new people that may benefit your business
Three great new connections are more valuable than thirty average connections.
Have your elevator pitch ready. A Special Spiel! An effective elevator pitch needs to be more than just a 30 to 60-second snapshot of you or your firm. To achieve your goals, make sure that you can easily tailor it to the needs of the person you’re talking to. Try to get your pitch down to a couple of sentences. Focus on your key specialties. Get them interested in and excited about your firm. If your initial pitch is compelling, there’ll be time later to explain the other things your firm does.
Listen carefully
Try to make the conversations at networking events about the needs of other people.
Volunteer in the community! Being involved in community groups and organizations will make you known to others who have similar interests. This could be community development, child-focused or sports groups. When you’re with like-minded people, you’ll find casual opportunities to share stories and network.
The golden rules of networking - If you want to network well, remember to do the following:-
Have a descriptive ‘personal brand statement’ prepared. For example, “Hi, I’m Dave Jones and I do the books for small businesses, so owners can focus on the things they love.”
Have plenty of business cards (but use them wisely).
Make a goal of handing out a certain number of business cards. Or have genuine conversations with the same number of people.
Go up and introduce yourself to people and start conversations with them.
Keep moving around the venue – don't just speak to one person.
Write the date and event on business cards you collect. This will help you remember when and where you met people.
Try business networking with a friendly and open attitude – you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Some people are put off by networking events because they are shy or introverted. Or they just struggle to start conversations with strangers. Networking isn’t for everyone, but if you think about what your business needs you might see it differently.
All firms want new customers. And they’re out there right now. People with common interests and shared experiences are a good place to start. If you’re smart, you’ll choose the right networking events and you’ll meet these people. And you’ll see how networking begins to work for your firm.
Or as a US Business Professor advises BEFRIEND very powerful individuals!
SEE https://www.belmont.edu/stories/articles/2025/10-tips-for-how-to-become-friends-with-your-professor.html
Befriend potential mentors! Seek individuals with multiple talents! Plenty of influence, money, and power! CEOs are good, Elon Musk would be great, he aims to amass USD 1 Trillion by 2030.
Some people are the unsung heroes, volunteers that get a pittance for their efforts. Select a mentor that has the capacity to effect the most positive changes for the least capital investment. There is no sin in selecting a nonagenarian mentor!
Why is entrepreneurship thematic? It is the inventive creativity, the genius that lifts business operations up many levels, as gauged by earning capacity and familiarity to consumers!
GOD BLESS!
Thank you James for such a detailed response and wisdom, I'm reading the article right away!!
Alejandro
I had my mentors develop many years ago and they weren't 100 and 86 when they STARTED turning into mentors for me, we were ALL younger. Also, friends as mentors add a lot of dimension and personalization to helping one with their work - I know my experience with mentors is tried and true and it wasn't "just' insignificant. It was better BECAUSE they were friends first.
Michelle M.
Friends Is The Way To Get It Happening https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/careersandeducation/nyu-professor-says-traditional-networking-is-nonsense-instead-real-friendships-are-key-to-success/ar-AA1MraQS?
James Constantine Frangos
Theophilus Mensah
Discovery Intern @Deloitte |2x Founder | TMCF Scholar | Business + CIS @ GSU | Harvard ALP 25’
71
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hi Alejandro,
You know, some of the things that have really helped me reach out to people on LinkedIn come down to how you approach them. That first impression is everything.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is this: people love to talk about themselves. They love to share their story and their experiences. So when I reach out, I don’t just say “be my mentor.” I take time to look at their profile, their work, and then I say something like: “I saw that you do this at company. I’m really interested in learning more about how you got there.”
That kind of curiosity shows people that you’re serious about your life, that you’re willing to learn, and that you know how to ask thoughtful questions. And when they see that in you, the proactiveness, the hunger, they start to think: “If I invest 30 minutes with this person, they’ll actually use it well.”
Because here’s the truth: mentors want to know that their effort won’t go to waste. If you’re already doing something for yourself, they’re more willing to give you that little push to go further.
When I get those opportunities, I treat them seriously. I set up coffee chats, I dress professionally, I show up on time with notes and questions ready. I’ve already researched the person before the meeting, so when I ask my questions, it shows I’m prepared and organized. And that makes people more willing to help.
From doing this, I’ve gained mentors who didn’t just answer my questions once but they chose to keep supporting me. Some even check in on me now, because they’ve become personally invested in my growth. And that’s the beauty of mentorship. When people see your value, your seriousness, and your curiosity, they’ll want to see you win, and they’ll be there for you in the long run.
Now this is how to attract Mentors
1. Build Your Presence: Create a strong LinkedIn profile, share your journey authentically, and engage thoughtfully with others’ content.
2. Reach Out the Right Way: Keep introductions short and respectful by ask for advice or a quick chat, not formal mentorship.
3. Show You’re Serious: Research before reaching out, prepare good questions, and demonstrate that you’re already taking action.
4. Let It Be Organic: True mentorship grows naturally when people see your curiosity and commitment.
I hope this helps!
You know, some of the things that have really helped me reach out to people on LinkedIn come down to how you approach them. That first impression is everything.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is this: people love to talk about themselves. They love to share their story and their experiences. So when I reach out, I don’t just say “be my mentor.” I take time to look at their profile, their work, and then I say something like: “I saw that you do this at company. I’m really interested in learning more about how you got there.”
That kind of curiosity shows people that you’re serious about your life, that you’re willing to learn, and that you know how to ask thoughtful questions. And when they see that in you, the proactiveness, the hunger, they start to think: “If I invest 30 minutes with this person, they’ll actually use it well.”
Because here’s the truth: mentors want to know that their effort won’t go to waste. If you’re already doing something for yourself, they’re more willing to give you that little push to go further.
When I get those opportunities, I treat them seriously. I set up coffee chats, I dress professionally, I show up on time with notes and questions ready. I’ve already researched the person before the meeting, so when I ask my questions, it shows I’m prepared and organized. And that makes people more willing to help.
From doing this, I’ve gained mentors who didn’t just answer my questions once but they chose to keep supporting me. Some even check in on me now, because they’ve become personally invested in my growth. And that’s the beauty of mentorship. When people see your value, your seriousness, and your curiosity, they’ll want to see you win, and they’ll be there for you in the long run.
Now this is how to attract Mentors
1. Build Your Presence: Create a strong LinkedIn profile, share your journey authentically, and engage thoughtfully with others’ content.
2. Reach Out the Right Way: Keep introductions short and respectful by ask for advice or a quick chat, not formal mentorship.
3. Show You’re Serious: Research before reaching out, prepare good questions, and demonstrate that you’re already taking action.
4. Let It Be Organic: True mentorship grows naturally when people see your curiosity and commitment.
I hope this helps!
Goodera Careervillage
63
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Goodera’s Answer
You can connect with teachers, industry leaders, and experts on LinkedIn or social media. A great way to do this is by commenting on LinkedIn posts that interest you. Instead of just liking or leaving a one-word response, write meaningful and relevant comments. When they reply, use the opportunity to start a conversation and engage with them.
Navalayo Osembo
Business Manager
4
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Navalayo’s Answer
Hi Alejandro - I love that you are already thinking ahead and planning on getting mentors to help build your experience and career.
The best mentor relationships are those that are genuine and based on curiosity. While asking someone to be your mentor may work, it may end up being awkward if you have a set time for meeting and one day run out of things to talk about. My approach to it has been asking questions to the people I wanted to be my mentors over time, not just once. Whenever you have a question, please ask your mentor. It is easier for them to respond and follow up on a specific issue, and over time, you'll find that the conversations become more organic and they offer more advice based on what you've discussed before. These are also likely to be the relationships that will step in to help you when you need it, because you will have developed trust.
Now, how do you get to them in the first place in order to ask your question? Email consistently (at some point, they will respond), follow them on LinkedIn, ask for an introduction from your networks if possible and if not, reach out to common connections on Linkedin or other platforms and ask for an intro or ask your school to get in touch with their organisation and request for an intro.
All the best!
The best mentor relationships are those that are genuine and based on curiosity. While asking someone to be your mentor may work, it may end up being awkward if you have a set time for meeting and one day run out of things to talk about. My approach to it has been asking questions to the people I wanted to be my mentors over time, not just once. Whenever you have a question, please ask your mentor. It is easier for them to respond and follow up on a specific issue, and over time, you'll find that the conversations become more organic and they offer more advice based on what you've discussed before. These are also likely to be the relationships that will step in to help you when you need it, because you will have developed trust.
Now, how do you get to them in the first place in order to ask your question? Email consistently (at some point, they will respond), follow them on LinkedIn, ask for an introduction from your networks if possible and if not, reach out to common connections on Linkedin or other platforms and ask for an intro or ask your school to get in touch with their organisation and request for an intro.
All the best!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2398
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Any one who can give you guidance can be your mentor. It is not limited to have only one mentor.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore any teacher or professor who can give you guidance
2. Join some professional bodies that are relevant to your major or career. Identify some experienced one.
3. Leverage your own network to search for mentors
4. Explore any community mentorship program
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore any teacher or professor who can give you guidance
2. Join some professional bodies that are relevant to your major or career. Identify some experienced one.
3. Leverage your own network to search for mentors
4. Explore any community mentorship program
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Goodera Careervillage
63
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Goodera’s Answer
You can meet potential mentors at tech-focused community events or ones with specific themes. After meeting them, reach out to continue the conversation. These tech communities are fantastic for learning from each other, and people are often eager to help and mentor.