mentorship in the wild

Mentorship in the Wild: Building Relationships Beyond Formal Programs

“Mentorship in the wild” refers to organically developing mentorship relationships outside of structured programs or formal requests. It’s about identifying individuals whose journeys you admire and building genuine connections that naturally evolve into guidance and support. This is often more impactful – and sustainable – than simply booking a one-off call with someone.

Why It Matters (And What Most People Miss)

Traditional networking often focuses on what someone can do for you. “Mentorship in the wild” flips that script. It’s about genuine connection, shared interests, and offering value first. Most people miss this nuance, approaching potential mentors with a direct “ask” before building rapport. This approach rarely yields long-term, meaningful guidance. True mentorship isn’t transactional; it’s a reciprocal relationship built on trust and mutual respect. It’s about learning with someone, not just from them.

Actionable Steps to Cultivate Wild Mentorships:

• Identify Your “North Stars”: Who embodies the career or life you aspire to? Don’t limit yourself to industry leaders – look for people demonstrating qualities you admire.
• Engage Authentically: Comment thoughtfully on their content (articles, posts, etc.). Share their work with your network. Offer genuine praise.
• Offer Value: Can you connect them with someone helpful? Share a relevant resource? Contribute to a conversation they’re leading?
• Be Patient: Don’t rush the process. Building trust takes time. Focus on consistent, genuine engagement.
• Lead with Curiosity: When you do initiate a direct conversation, ask about their journey, challenges, and learnings – not immediately for advice.

Why Doing This Alone Isn’t Enough – And How Menteo Helps

Reading about mentorship is helpful, but experiencing it is transformative. “Mentorship in the wild” can be challenging to initiate and sustain. It requires consistent effort and a degree of vulnerability.

Menteo accelerates this process by providing a dedicated space for building these relationships. Unlike booking-only platforms, Menteo fosters ongoing connection through:

• Growth Threads: Publicly document your journey, attract mentors who resonate with your progress, and build accountability.
• Mentorship Rooms: Move beyond casual chats with structured 1:1 guidance, focused on your specific goals.
• Roadmaps: Access curated learning paths, and connect with mentors already actively involved in those areas.
• Communities: Find like-minded individuals and potential mentors within focused groups.

Menteo isn’t just about finding a mentor; it’s about cultivating a network of support and actively growing alongside individuals who inspire you. It’s social mentorship, designed for sustained growth.

Ready to move beyond passive networking and find a mentor who truly understands your ambitions? Find mentors today and start building relationships that will shape your future.