How to Find Fitness/Wellness Business Mentors

Look for a mentor who can motivate and challenge you.

In order to find a fitness or wellness business mentor, it's important to consider what type of company or practice you own or would like to start. It's best to choose a mentor who has taken the same business path you would like to follow or achieved the kind of success you are looking for. While some mentor relationships develop naturally over time, it's also appropriate to simply ask someone to be your mentor.

Instructions

1. Look for fitness or wellness leaders in your community. Visit their places of business or attend their classes. When choosing a mentor, it's best to pick someone who already has what you want in a business or practice. If one person stands out, ask if she would be willing to help you with your own goals by chatting on the phone once a week or meeting in person.

2. Go to networking events in your industry. Luncheons, seminars or speaking events will attract professionals in the field. Ask questions of the people you admire or want to learn more about.

3. Ask to shadow potential mentors during a typical day or volunteer at their places of work. Seeing a person in daily life will give you a better idea of whether or not that person could be a good mentor. Pay attention to how he treats others, conducts business and handles stress.

4. Offer a trade. Once you find a potential mentor, offer to give your own services in exchange for her time. A good mentor is probably someone who is busy, so it may be necessary to create a mutually beneficial relationship for both of you. For example, if you are a personal trainer, offer your potential mentor a weekly session in exchange for an hour of her time or training.

5. Seek out more than one mentor. It's not often that you will find everything you are looking for in one mentor. Be willing to have several mentors from whom you can draw inspiration and get advice. For instance, one mentor might be good at helping you with business logistics while another is great at motivating you when you're discouraged. Having several sources of support can benefit your business or practice in the long run.

References

• Entrepreneur; Finding a Business Mentor; Keith Lowe; Oct. 2001