This document provides tips for finding a mentor, including identifying your goals and needs, evaluating potential characteristics and skills to look for in a mentor, creating a list of potential mentors, applying criteria to evaluate mentors, and approaching and selling yourself to prospective mentors. It recommends identifying what you can offer, having a brief self-introduction prepared, and transforming critical thoughts from your "inner critic" into encouraging messages from your "inner coach" when networking.

1. networking tools
1. MOVE FROM CRITIC TO COACH
• When your mental “critic” says something critical or
discouraging, transform that negative message into something
that will encourage you to move forward.
But my “critic” says…
But my coach says…
2. IDENTIFY YOUR AGENDA
• Start with the words “I need or want…” and fill in the blanks.
Be specific!
...to find
…to learn
…to create
…to lead
…to connect with
…to understand
Such as, “I’m new in town and need…”
Such as, “I’m hoping to find someone who…”
Such as, “Do you know someone here who…?
3. IDENTIFY WHAT YOU CAN GIVE
• Start by completing this sentence stem: “I can give…”
…accomplishment
…enthusiasm
…skill
…leads
…resources
4. HAVE A TAG LINE READY
• Create a brief tag line that can be used when you introduce
yourself to someone. It will help the other person put you in
context, and it will help them remember who you are and what
you do professionally.
Joe Cimino, Natalie Keller Pariano & Jaime Zito – Networking 101 – NACA Mid America Conference 2013

2. plan for finding a
mentor
1.
Identify what you need. Before you approach any prospects,
determine your professional needs and identify your goals.
2.
Review the following common characteristics of mentors,
then rank their importance to you.
_____ They have a large circle of influence and broad-based
network.
_____They are people-oriented.
_____They know how to motivate others.
_____They are effective teachers.
_____They are secure in their position and profession.
_____They are unusually high achievers who set lofty career
goals, continually evaluate these goals, and strive to reach
them.
_____They value their profession, their work, and public
service.
_____They respect others.
3.
Evaluate and select what you are looking for in a mentor.
• Do you want to work with a male mentor? A female mentor?
• Do you want to work with a mentor from within your organization
or outside of it?
• Do you want to work with a mentor who is in your profession, or
someone who is not?
• How important is it to you that the mentor models the type of
behaviors you desire?
• How important is it to you that the mentor has the knowledge
and experience you wish to obtain?
Joe Cimino, Natalie Keller Pariano & Jaime Zito – Networking 101 – NACA Mid America Conference 2013

3. 4.
Create a list of potential mentors. Here are some ways
some protégés add people to their list.
Identify people who “walk their talk.”
Identify people who you admire and respect.
Look at people you already know who can become your mentor.
Look through your contacts, LinkedIn and membership lists.
Ask others who have had a mentor how they found theirs.
If there is no mentoring program, talk with your human resources
department for suggestions.
• Ask people who are knowledgeable in your field for suggestions.
• Put out the word to your family and friends.
•
•
•
•
•
•
5.
Apply your list of criteria about what you want in a mentor
to your list of potential mentors.
6.
Approach your prospective mentor(s). Here are some
suggestions.
• If you don’t know the individual personally, determine who does.
Speak to him/her about how to get an introduction. Then use it!
• If the individual is only an acquaintance of yours, volunteer to do
something with them on the same project or team.
• Invite the individual to breakfast or lunch.
• Ask if you drive them to the airport or to an event an hour away.
• Attend an event in which the individual is involved, so you can
engage in the conversation.
7.
Sell yourself to these prospective mentors.
• Tell him/her what you admire about them. People love to be
praised, just be sincere.
• Outline what you think you need from a mentor.
Joe Cimino, Natalie Keller Pariano & Jaime Zito – Networking 101 – NACA Mid America Conference 2013