With so many coaches and mentors to choose from, how do you choose one that is right for you?

Today, we are talking about how to find a mentor who is right for you in your stage of your business; one who will help you progress to the next level. Mentorship has had a profound effect on me, and has been a theme throughout my professional journey.

If you listen to episode 92, about the 4 different people you need in your life, it will demonstrate the structure that I have had that has led me to success. Having that structure is critical.

So how do you find the right mentor? Today I will be digging deep into what you should be looking for in a mentor/coach.

5 Tips To Finding The Right Mentor The impact of a mentor has allowed me to take the biggest leaps in my business. At this level, the person you are looking for will be a little less personal and more professional. They have done what you want to do, and they have a path for you to follow.

When you go on a search for a mentor, you want to see the great heights you can reach because this person has done it. You also want to make sure you pay attention to how this person has overcome obstacles. Any person you admire or look up to has likely faced deep struggles. Make sure this person has the ability to be communicative, supportive, approachable, focuses on the whole human, and that they have achieved the things on your radar.

“A mentor is the best version of you and your business… they also have the experience to guide you through hardships and struggles.”

1. Take Time You cannot be sold into a mentor, you will have to search for it. For instance, if you show up randomly to a webinar and are looking for a mentor, practice deep restraint. I want you to go searching for this person, just as if you were growing your team. Take your time. Don’t take quick action when it comes to selecting a mentor.

Selecting a mentor is not a box to be checked, it is a feeling of needing greater support. You need a partner to come in beside you and help you to get “there” quicker. It is a big commitment, as often you will be committing to at least a 12 month relationship.

1. Do A Strategic Review Take the time to do a strategic mapping of your own business. Think about what is happening in the major pillars of your business, including marketing, operations and fulfillment. Write down the things you are confident in, and note where the gaps are.

When you look at the strengths and gaps, are the gaps in your wheelhouse? If not, use this information to help you determine who is the right mentor for you. You may need to identify a mentor who can help you fill in the gap for things that you aren’t able to figure out on your own.

Be honest with yourself and ask, “what size of business do I currently have and how big of a business do I want to have?” When you are looking for a mentor, if you want to go from $30,000 to $180,000, choose someone who has had a similar result rather than choosing an iconic mentor who is looking to scale a much larger business. Their mindset will be very different from yours based on your respective goals.

1. Character & Values When you are looking for a mentor and a coach, that person will have a lot of influence on you, so you must make sure your character is represented in the person you choose. You also want to make sure you understand what this individuals values are. If it's not obvious, reach out to the person and ask them. You have to know that they have done this work in order to partner with them. Dig deep, and make sure they are attentive and are excited to answer your questions.

2. Proof of Experience, Expertise, and Results This person absolutely needs to have results for the exact needs that you have. If you are seeking this person because of your gaps, make sure they have provided results for other people like you. In most cases mentors become mentors because they have mastered something and have thought leadership in an area that you are desiring.

Just because someone has learned to do something, doesn’t mean that they are suited to teach others that “something.” They may have had experience in something, but that doesn’t mean they have the expertise or results, so you need to do your homework. If a mentor is constantly pivoting, that is a red flag.

1. Connector + Community Your mentor needs to be a connector and have a really strong community. The mentor's reputation matters, but who they are as a person is going to be indicative of the people that they surround themselves with. This is a win-win situation because you are gaining a lot of value and structure from this person, but you can also have a profitable relationship. If people come to them with needs and you are the right person, a connection is very easy to make. Because of their network, it can also be easy for you to refer.

These 5 things have been very important to me in my journey and I hope you find them helpful!

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside of yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey

Weekly Ops Activity Tell me who is on your radar for your next mentor? Let us know in the Facebook group!

Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 92: Four Types of People Who Will Help You Grow Your Business

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This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/93.