At Mentorloop we encourage all mentees to make it as easy as possible for their mentors. Ready to build a great mentorship? Let’s go.

If you haven’t already:

• Peruse your mentor’s digital professional profile.
  Check out their LinkedIn profile, and if they have it, their other social media accounts or blog.

• Send through a quick bio or intro via Mentorloop chat.
  Give them a bit of background on your career, where you want to go, and how you're hoping they can help you get there.

• Consider your goals for this mentorship.
  Although you can ask your mentor for help in setting goals, it's helpful to give this a think before you meet.

• Help them help you.
  Consider your needs and be open with your mentor about them; help your mentor support you better.

• Who, what, when, where, how…
  Think about how often you want to touch base - through video call? At the local cafe?

During your meetings: 

• Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel

  You are responsible for driving this relationship.

  Let your mentor know how you'll be tracking your progress - and do it!

• Clearly present your goals
  Set some realistic timelines and be prepared to discuss challenges.

  Your mentor might help you amend this, but its best to come prepared.

• Seek feedback
  Check in with your mentor and ask if there's anything you could do to make the time more valuable for the both of you.

• Pick up the tab or split it!
  Meeting in person? Shoulder the coffee.
  If meeting virtually, send a thank-you email afterwards.

After your meetings:

• Follow up with a summary email and get connected!
  Include your meeting notes and actions, share your availability for the next meet-up, and send them a LinkedIn invite.

• Reflect on some actionable items
  Have a think about some easy wins you can grab and try to do them before your next meeting.

• Be grateful and pay it back.
  Thank them for their time and don't forget to ask if you can help with anything. The best mentoring relationships are reciprocal.

Things to remember:

• A mentor is not a therapist.
  Try to avoid conversations that veer away from your goal or objectives.

• They’re not a recruitment agent either.
  Avoid the temptation to ask them for a job. 

• And they’re definitely not your parent.
  They’re not here to solve your problems for you.

• Don’t be too clingy.
  Contacting your mentor every time you have an issue is a quick way to kill the vibe. 

It’s as easy as that. Not rocket science, but a little preparation goes a long way. And demonstrating that you’ve given this meeting some proper thought ahead of time will put your mentor at ease.
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Want to print this checklist and post it on your fridge? Yeah, I thought so. Here's the PDF version: