What stops us from finding mentors at a younger age, or at pivotal moments in our life? For women especially, it’s the challenge of asking for what we need and believing that we’re worthy of it. When it comes to mentoring someone else we often question our value and what we have to offer.
The beautiful thing about mentoring – whether you’re the mentor or the mentee – is that mentoring is an exchange of energy. There’s always something for you to give and to receive. You won’t know what you’re going to give or receive until you’re talking, connecting and learning about each other.
My mentor Joanna and I talk regularly because we have become great friends. She guides me on business interactions frequently and I support her in many ways – through connections, knowledge about LinkedIn, and even babysitting her 6 year old daughter.
I became a mentor for Gia through the Next Wave Mentoring Program for 6 months in 2023. Through the program we worked on skills like mindset, body image, and confidence, using their workbook as a guide. Sharing my own life experiences and knowledge helped her gain more awareness of her thoughts and gave her the ability to choose a new response. Gia often talked to me about the gatherings with her friends and how they celebrate each other’s successes while baking or sharing a chocolate cake. She inspired me to create my own practice for celebrating achievements with my friends and since then I feel so much lighter and happier.
If these stories inspire you, here’s my 5 step formula to finding a mentor who will open your eyes to new possibilities and guide you towards fulfilling your big goals.
Step 1: Make a list of all the areas in your life right now that you would love some guidance.
Maybe you’re looking to improve your sales skills, start a business, change careers, or fall in love. Make a list of all the areas you feel stuck.
Step 2: Then make a list of all the people in your life right now, who excel in these categories.
If you want to fall in love, identify someone in your life who is happily married and met her husband through the dating apps. If you want to improve your sales skills, identify someone who excels at sales and loves it.
Step 3: Reach out to each one of these people.
Let them know you are looking for some guidance, and how much you admire that they have excelled in these areas of their life.
Step 4: Be willing to be vulnerable with each person.
Take some time to reflect on the challenges you’re having in this area of your life and how you got there. Then consider how this person can really help you. What is it that they bring to the table that you feel you need to understand better?
Step 5: Show your mentors that you are listening and taking their advice.
Your mentors want to know that their time spent with you is of value. While you’re working together, give them updates that show you are applying the guidance and knowledge they’re sharing.
Sending a hand-written card at some point in your work together and wishing them a happy birthday is a great way to show your gratitude for their time with you.
There is no limit to the number of mentors you can have and the growth you will experience! Enjoy the ride!
Megan Wessels is the Community Director for Hera Hub Chicago. Currently building her second business called Le Sélect Singles, she mentors many of the members on their business growth. Megan has over 12 year of experience in creating communities and connection through hosting events. In 2011 she was named Chicago Chapter President for the National Association of Professional Women. Chicago became the 2nd largest chapter in the country and raised over $18,000 for local charities under her leadership. It was the first time in her life she experienced what it was like to be surrounded by a group of women who are all there for a bigger purpose… to elevate one another. In 2015 Megan launched Powerful Partners Inc. and built a platform for women to connect on a deep level through her monthly, invite-only Dinner Parties. Women drove in from Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin to attend. So many friendships and business relationships were fostered at her dinners. Megan expanded her offering and created a peer advisory group for women entrepreneurs with a mission to increase the number of million-dollar businesses that are women-owned. Throughout this time she continued to invest in her mindset through therapy and coaches. The work Megan does continues to evolve.
