I know that it can be awkward trying to find and get to know mentors and colleagues who we think COULD be mentors. When I sat down to write this, I thought about how a few years ago, someone I barely knew called me and asked to take me to coffee in order to ask me questions about my work. It was someone who was interested in making a career switch and doing the sort of work I was doing at the time and he wanted to find out more about what I did, how I felt about it and any advice or pitfalls I could talk about. It seemed a little awkward, but it turned out to be a great conversation and we both got a lot out of it. While we know that we want mentors or that we would like to learn from those who are already experts in our chosen business field, we might not know how to go about gathering that inspiration. Sometimes, it is just a matter of asking…
If there is someone whose brain you really want to pick, or an individual who has been inspirational or is leading the way in your community, business field, or other area and you would really like to find out how they do it–you might consider just asking them. Like the individual did with me, you might try a phone call or e-mail and invite them out to coffee–being completely candid with the reality that you would like to interview them and find out how and why they do what they do. Your honesty and ability to be direct and upfront may just be taken as flattering and interesting and you will get your interview and/or chat. Who know? It could lead to an ongoing business relationship and/or friendship, or you will at least get the chance to ask your questions and see if you cannot glean a little information and inspiration from someone you admire.
Also: Senior Citizens as Business Mentors
The Importance of Business Mentors