ONLINE SUPPORT How building a virtual mentorship network can boost your career and your competence by Lisa van de Geyn Achieve+Succeed M A N A G I N G YO U R C A R E E R You can file “e-mentoring” under “things that gained popularity thanks to a worldwide pandemic” (it’s a big file, we know), but it’s not a brand-new phenomenon. Protégés finding mentors—and mentors guiding protégés—has gone virtual, and that’s good news. While a face-to-face coffee with a trusted, experienced adviser will never go out of style, connecting online certainly has its perks: It’s super flexible; you’ll be exposed to more perspectives; location isn’t a barrier, so you can be mentored by anyone, anywhere; and the time you save (no commute!) allows you to pursue multiple mentors. The Internet’s a big place, so here are some pointers to help you narrow your search and make the most of your e-relationship. KNOW WHERE TO LOOK Rose Timmerman Gitzi, CMM, an event design strategist and partner at Experiential Experts Inc. in Ottawa, has been both a mentor and mentee. She says finding a mentor—in person or online—is like shopping for shoes. “You need to find someone you like, someone who fits, and they need to continue to be comfortable,” she says. It might take longer to make a close connection if you have an exclusively electronic relationship, so knowing where to find folks who want to dedicate time to mentees makes a difference. “Groups like the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, Meeting Professionals International and the Professional Convention Management Association have event planners in their memberships and can likely connect you with interested mentors,” says Heidi Wilker, a long-time mentor and former event planner. You can also try specific platforms that help you make connections, like MentorCity. And don’t discount social media—it’s a no-brainer, but post what you’re looking for on LinkedIn and ask your network to share. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR Figure out what you want in the relationship— constructive feedback, an experienced sounding board, help identifying goals in professional development, etc.—and be clear about your intentions. “Ask yourself, ‘What do I hope to accomplish? What skills or knowledge am I seeking to develop, and what do I hope to achieve?’” says Nalina Williams, a mentor and the managing director of Toronto-based Platinum Hospitality Group Inc. Whether you’re looking for someone online or in person, Gitzi says the first thing to look for is a mentor who you feel “will have confidence in you, help you recognize your strengths, someone you’re able to share exciting experiences with and someone who has time to invest in you. Then, make sure you’re a good fit personality-wise and commit to the process.” GET IN TOUCH A professional intro via email or LinkedIn message is in order, followed by “highlighting your background, your current role and your interest in the industry,” says Williams. “Also, explain why you are reaching out specifically to them, to show you’ve done your research.” In your initial outreach, tell the prospective mentor how often you’d like to meet (so they have an idea of the time commitment and scope) and your preferred meeting platform. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME If you’re the kind of person who does well with structure, set an agenda before virtual meetings with your mentor. (“It helps both of you focus on making your time together effective and efficient, and planners are all about addressing the important details,” Wilker says.) If you’re less formal and prefer open discussion, go that route. Either way, be sure to send calendar invites to block time in advance and become proficient with the agreed-upon virtual tools or platforms you’ll be using, whether it’s Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, Trello, WhatsApp or specific software designed for mentorship. FIND ONE…THEN FIND MORE It’s outdated thinking to believe you should have a single mentor—this is a “the more the merrier” situation. Expanding your network will allow you to speak with folks who have a variety of skills and strengths, as well as different perspectives on the industry and business in general. “Learning from multiple professionals also allows you to benefit from different mentorship styles,” says Williams. “This will enrich your professional development.” 60 | Ignitemag.ca | Spring 2024
