How to Find a Mentor Through Networking as a Small Business Owner

Here's my "Never ask for a mentor" framework that led to: - Mentorship from an NYC food entrepreneur - Writing for Ryan Holiday - My first 6-figure job - $2k to speak with zero experience - Getting on top business podcasts (before I had a business) - Moving from teaching to tech - Quitting my job and going solo I know this is going to help people: 1. Never use the "M" word - Never ever ever ever (ever) ask someone to be your "mentor" - This creates instant pressure - Start with a specific, thoughtful question about their work - Show you've done your homework on their background - Ask one simple question that will help you (that they can answer is less than 60 seconds) - Be SPECIFIC (Not "whats your best tip for somebody starting out..") - Keep initial outreach brief and respectful of their time 2. Take their advice and ACTUALLY DO IT - This is where 99% of people fail - When someone gives you advice, implement it immediately - Don't wait for perfect conditions - just execute - Document your process and results 3. Circle back with results - Return with "I tried what you suggested and here's what happened..." - Be honest about both successes and failures - Express genuine gratitude for their guidance - Nobody does this - they'll be genuinely surprised 4. Use that momentum to ask the next question - This creates natural permission to continue the conversation - Each exchange builds more trust and access - Focus on quality questions that show you're serious - Create a cycle of value exchange rather than a one-sided relationship 5. Repeat consistently - Continue this loop with multiple people in your industry - Be patient - relationships build over time - Gradually deepen connections through consistent follow-through That's basically it. People love seeing their advice put into action. While everyone else is asking for mentorship and doing nothing with it, you'll stand out by simply following through. Do this enough times and you'll build a network that creates true freedom - freedom where you will always have work if/when you want it and a support network that lasts a lifetime. Any questions? Was this helpful?

The best mentors won't find you, You have to find them. My core values for career development: • Ownership - Taking responsibility for your growth • Courage - Moving through discomfort for what matters • Reciprocity - Creating value, not just taking it What I can't stand is seeing people wait for career opportunities while mistaking passivity for patience. Here's how to ask potential mentors (without feeling awkward): 1/ Be direct about your goals Don't beat around the bush. Tell them exactly what you need. "I was promoted to senior engineer and want to level up my systems architecture skills. Would you be willing to mentor me?" 2/ Tell them why you chose them People appreciate knowing what drew you to them specifically, showing you’ve done your homework. "I'm reaching out because of your experience leading engineering teams at high-growth startups." 3/ Start with a small ask Don't request a long-term commitment right away. "Would you be open to a 30-minute video call to connect?" 4/ Be gracious if rejected Sometimes people don't have bandwidth. That's okay. "I understand you have significant demands on your time." 5/ Ask for alternatives If they decline, their network might be your next opportunity. "Is there anyone you'd recommend I connect with instead?" 6/ Approach with the right mindset Confidence in your goals. Respect for their time. Gratitude for their expertise. I've seen too many careers stall because of fear of rejection. But I promise: The temporary discomfort of reaching out is nothing compared to the permanent pain of career stagnation. Stop waiting for the perfect mentor to appear. Make the first move today. What strategies have worked for you when finding mentors? Image Credit: GraciousQuotes --- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

Two insurance billionaires I know shared their unfiltered advice for finding a mentor. Neither of these big cats have time to mix words. They’re direct. Always. Here’s their advice: And it’s the hard truth about mentor relationships that most won't tell you. They're rarely built through formal "will you be my mentor?" conversations. Instead, both cats emphasized these counterintuitive approaches: 1. Make yourself useful first ⋅ Don't ask for mentorship - try to create value ⋅ Great mentors are drawn to hungry, proactive people who make their lives easier (I offered to do one of these guys’ E&O for free nearly ten years ago, just to have time w him) 2. Study from afar initially ⋅ Watch how they run their business ⋅ Watch how they handle tough situations ⋅ Read what they write ⋅ Listen when they speak ⋅ Build your own knowledge about their challenges and priorities before any direct approach 3. Ask for specific advice, not broad mentorship ⋅ “How would you handle this specific situation?" opens more doors than "Will you mentor me?" ⋅ Smart, targeted questions show you value their time 4. Deliver remarkable follow-through ⋅ When they do give advice, execute it immediately ⋅ Circle back with results ⋅ Nothing fires up a mentor more than seeing their guidance put into action 5. Find the hidden mentors, not just the big cats ⋅ The most accessible mentors are often one level above you, not the CEO (The cat that can help you achieve your one or three year goals) ⋅ Look for rising leaders who still remember their own early career challenges My own best advice: real mentorship is earned through consistent performance. It’s hard w time constraints, but try to develop a genuine relationship. Find common non business stuff you know they like and that you do too, and text them periodically on it… Remember, it’s never about one conversation - it's about becoming someone worth investing in. What worked for them won't work for everyone. But there's one universal truth… The best mentors choose their mentees based on demonstrated potential! Not desperate requests. For the seasoned pros: anything you’d add for the next gen? P.S. if you’re a rising star in our industry and want to chat, DM me. I have my 3 mentees for 2025, but always happy to connect!