Cultivating A Mentor Relationship

Many entrepreneurs reach out to mentors to soak up their valuable advice and guidance. These relationships may feel like you’re sitting in the presence of Yoda or Dumbledore. However, can you meet too often with this trusted advisor? And do you run the risk of harming the mentor relationship by trying to schedule frequent meetings?

Meetings of the Minds

Both you and your mentor probably have busy schedules so you want to make sure you’re having productive meetings.  With that said, you also need to maintain an active relationship in order to benefit from the mentor relationship. The Kilfinan Group recommends scheduling 4-6 meetings of approximately two hours apiece between mentors and mentees each year. These meetings can be supplemented with regular telephone and email contact. My mentor programs include 12 calls each year as I find connecting each month facilitates accountability and focus.

Depending on the mentor relationship, you may want to schedule these days in advance in order to make sure that they get a place on busy calendars. However, you also can benefit from impromptu meetings with your mentor over a cup of coffee.

Preparing for Meetings

Prior to meeting with your mentor, you may want to select a few topics that you’d like to discuss. However, an agenda isn’t necessary – and at times, it can get in the way of a spontaneous conversation that proves to be really fruitful for both the mentor and mentee. For instance, you and your mentor may want to talk about how your respective businesses will be impacted by the latest business-related news — whether it’s the new iPhone release, oil production or trade embargos – announced in that morning’s news.

Reciprocal Relationships

Great mentor relationships have benefits to both parties.  Most mentors take on the role because they want to see others grow. There is satisfaction in seeing results being created and participating in the process.  In addition, the personal relationship that develops is nurturing to both parties.

The mentor relationship benefits from regular meetings that allow an exchange of ideas and focus on current issues. Meetings should be spread out enough to allow for the creation of results but close enough to stay on track and provide accountability.  It is the combination of focus, accountability and a mutual engagement that creates the best mentor relationships.