Are there a set of Questions to Ask a business Mentor before you hire one?

Posted by Sampada Patil on November 9th, 2020

Fact : Fortune 500 companies believe in incorporating mentoring programs in their corporate structures for multiple advantages for budding professionals.  84% of mentees believed that their mentors played a valuable role - 2015 report by Harvard Business Review. 

Despite that there still exists confusion with regards to working with a mentor or consultant who can act as a mentor. As per Guider-AI reports Additionally, only 37% of professionals have sought mentorship. What entrepreneurs need to realise that self learning is a slow process and fraught with repeated mistakes and trials. 

If you get lucky and find a business coach and mentor you might find yourself on the path to success. Business mentorship needs to be a mutually beneficial relationship for both mentor and mentee and thus requires the mentee to be prepared for interactions.

What can you ask your mentor? 

Een keen to know, understand and learn from the mentors story

Experience plays an important role in any professional's growth. Mentors become such only because they qualify by way of extensive experience in their field. Their journey will be fraught with challenges, successes, failures and more. 

These insights from a mentor's professional story can help mentees prepare themselves for potential problems. 

2. The mentees mistakes and the mentors experience with such in his journey

Everyone makes mistakes. A mentor can help mentees acknowledge and learn their mistakes. A mentor's experience with similar mistakes and sharing how they successfully dealt with the problems can be a valuable resource for every mentee.

3. How can I do better?

Naturally the objective of hiring a mentor is to gain from his experience and get issue-specific advice from their mentors. Mentors are experienced counsellors and the interactions will be enriching for both parties without a shade of doubt. Mentors can hone an entrepreneurs skills to provide the much needed edge to win in a competitive market.  

It is a must to ask for solutions to situations where one is unable to come out with a successful solution. A relationship which has a healthy exchange of problems and solutions can help the mentor and mentee to draw on each other's strengths which is crucial for the success of the business. 

4. Is it ok to follow up regularly with mentors

If your mentor knows about the impact he / she is having on your decision making it helps them assess your skills better. If their guidance and learning are helping you it is important to the success of the relationship. The goal of a mentor mentee experience is for the mentee to develop / hone skills. One might not agree with their mentor’s advice always so keep this up for the next discussion. Ans yes you can ask for a follow-up as that can keep the conversation healthy and motivated for both. 

A mentors goal is to offer guidance and mentees are expected to acknowledge their time. Mentors thrive when challenged and often appreciate being asked for help on things you don't know. 

Remember that your mentor is not a fortune teller but someone who has seen much of what you are about to face and thus will help you save time and money. There is no replacement for experience when it comes to starting, operating and managing a business. Individuals who have understood the importance experienced business mentors were able to drive their business growth faster than others. 

If you feel that you will be at the weaker end of the mentor - mentee relationship, there is nothing to worry. These relationships mature over time and asking questions that aid in your growth and development will only make this journey fruitful for you. Not only will a successful relationship have an impact on your life but you will feel a deep sense of fulfillment and the success that comes fro it will only make you happy about your decision.

A confident and professional mentor will respect you for seeking guidance and would be happy to help. However, it is crucial to remember that your mentor is not a fortune teller. They are people guiding you based on knowledge from their past experiences. Furthermore, opening up about your inhibitions or lack of knowledge on a particular topic can surely build a healthy relationship. 

While many professionals feel like they can excel by themselves relying on their instincts, guts, or academic knowledge, there is no replacement for experience. All successful tech titans have all had mentors such as Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs. These individuals understood the importance of gathering knowledge and expertise from experienced business mentors. Hence, they were able to drive their business and make better decisions. 

It's understandable if you feel that you are at the weaker end of the relationship. But it is always important to ask questions that aid in your growth and development.  It will also give your mentor a sense of fulfillment that can keep them invested in your journey. So, don't be afraid or hesitate to keep asking. Sometimes, it makes the difference between success and failure.