Do you ever wonder why some people in our industry are more successful than others? More than likely, the secret to their success is having a mentor. Here's how to find your own in the new year.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is an educated and trusted counselor or teacher. Some mentors provide casual coaching, listening, and advice, while other mentors agree to an ongoing, planned partnership that focuses on helping the mentee reach specific goals over a designated period.

Who Needs a Mentor? We All Do!

There isn't anyone who would not benefit personally or professionally from a little guidance from someone with more experience. The trick is finding someone who is willing and able to pass his or her experience on in a way that motivates and inspires you. An amazing mentor will empower you and pass a torch of wisdom that will burn long enough and bright enough to be passed on by you.

Who Can Mentor? Be Picky When Choosing a Mentor.

You want to look for someone you can look up to and someone who will inspire you to be your best and support you to go beyond what you think is possible.

How Can You Find a Mentor?

1. Look at leaders in your industry who have reached a level in their personal and professional life you admire.

2. Create a personal "vision" and development plan to make it happen. Take at least an hour or two to work on your plan.

Listed below are some suggestions on how to get started. These will help you clarify your goals and identify the kind of support you want.

• Write down your current role and responsibilities.

• Identify what you need to take you to the next level.

• Make certain you are ready to receive coaching.

• Identify potential mentors.

• Prepare to approach your potential mentors.

• Approach your potential mentors.

It is important to make it easy for someone to work with and help you. Know what it is you want from mentorship and be specific when you make your request.

As a mentee, it is your responsibility to initiate the relationships and negotiate the arrangements (e.g., goals to work on, how long the partnerships will exist, when you will meet, confidentiality, expectations, etc.)

3. Keep your eyes open for potential mentors that currently exist in your immediate network of friends and colleagues who may be able to help you (e.g., former instructors, authors, family members, friends, public speakers, experts in your field, etc.).

One person may not be able to provide all the guidance you need in business and life, so look for several individuals who can play separate roles. It is okay to have more than one mentor.

A mentor is one of the most valuable and under-utilized resources available to anyone in the beauty industry. Take the next step in your personal and professional growth and find a mentor in 2019.

Photo: Tyler Olson

Breaking It Down

In this post, we talked about the value of having a mentor or mentors to build your confidence and your business. No one succeeds alone and reaching out to those who have gone before you to benefit from their experience and wisdom is the secret ingredient to success. Take your time when reflecting and planning on the type of mentor you are looking for. Contemplate your goals and how someone with more life and business experience can help you. Think big when creating your list of potential mentors and don’t be afraid to reach out. The beauty industry is a generous one and keep in mind those you admire for their success were once in your very shoes. Need help in mapping out your plan? Check out these 2 online classes.

Goal Setting Basics Online Class

This online class is ideal if you have an idea of what you want, but have no idea how to get there. You will map out your vision, identify your values and gain an understanding of the obstacles standing in your way.

Persuasive Speech and Communication Online Class

Reaching out to a potential mentor can be intimidating, even speaking to clients about their needs can sometimes be daunting. This online class demystifies the ways in which we communicate and gives you the confidence to lead any conversation with intent and heart.