Finding a mentor is something we’d recommend for anyone who’s serious about their career. Mel herself has had one for years and thoroughly recommends the experience.  Mentors can play a number of different roles:

• A sounding board to help you make decisions
• A cheer squad when you’re feeling low
• An amateur psychologist, helping you get to know yourself better
• A business advisor, finding weaknesses in your business strategy and processes
• A source of contacts and referrals.

Finding a mentor can be hard. Some corporations run formal mentoring programmes, but are you really going to spill your guts about how much you hate your current boss/job to someone senior from the organisation? Maybe in smiley HR land, but not in the real world!

When looking for a mentor, think outside the square. It doesn’t have to be someone in your own industry or even someone who’s older than you, although business and life experience are prerequisites. A great mentor could be a successful relative, a friend’s entrepreneurial mother, or someone you used to work for. You could even approach people you’ve admired from afar by writing a compelling letter.

When you approach your potential new mentor, be clear about why you have chosen them and what you expect from the relationship in terms of guidance and contact hours. A monthly meeting might be a good starting point (and make sure you pay for the coffee!) Good communication is essential from the start, and will stand your relationship in good stead. If you find them intimidating or patronising, it won’t work.

Don’t worry that your mentor isn’t going to get anything out of the relationship. Many people enjoy sharing what they’ve learned and helping less experienced people get ahead. Mel’s mentor, who is an ex oil man, says he feels energised by being around her (and her crazy ideas).

A mentoring relationship doesn’t have to last forever. If you feel yours isn’t working, don’t be afraid to raise issues and possibly terminate it (graciously). Do consider, however, that the problem could be with you. Are you really open to advice that isn’t what you want to hear? Are you ready to face things about yourself that could be holding you back? Are you really capable of talking about widgets for hours at a time?

Getting a mentor can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. If you find a good one, let them know how much you appreciate their time. Also, think about offering to mentor someone less experienced than yourself. You never know – you might get a protégée as entertaining as Mel!