What do you want to know about potential mentees?

Question

Hi Everyone! I'm currently trying to find a mentor in my local market for REI. As I begin scheduling lunches and coffee meetings, I would like to prepare a statement that would answer some of the questions that a seasoned mentor would want to know about a potential mentee (thus saving time and money). What are some of your favorite questions to ask a potential mentee?

Joseph Cacciapaglia · Answer

What steps have you taken on your own to get started?

What part of town are you targeting, and why?

What strategy are you planning to implement?

What members of your team have you already found, and who are you missing?

What are your current resources?

Are you pre approved for a loan?

Why do you think I can help?

I have mentored a lot of young people over the years. The ones that came to me with most of their homework done were the most enjoyable to work with. I like to know that we're not just talking make-believe, and that the person I'm spending my time with is actually going to use the information that I'm sharing.

There is a ton of free information online. Before you start meeting potential mentors, you should have a well defined plan, and have taken significant steps towards making that plan a reality. That way you know what you actually need from a mentor. If you go into meetings without knowing what you're planning to do, it's very difficult for a mentor to help you.