So, you finally asked a professional—perhaps a potential mentor—for a cup of coffee. Nervous, you see her strolling through the lounge with an Americano in one hand and years of experience in the other.
Ask these 10 questions to ease the pressure and build a sustainable relationship.
What does a great week look like for you right now? Ask this question to begin “digging.” Does your mentor have hobbies, an exciting project they’re working on, or an addiction to a particular activity? Most people never take the time to build a sustainable relationship. Gathering these answers will allow you to build an informative “rolodex,” so you may follow up with relevant information.
If you were in my shoes for the next 90 days, what would you prioritize? Stop wasting your time attempting to impress the professional with your intelligence. Some don’t care! Inform them of your specific challenges and ask for their suggestions, recommendations, or possible steps forward.
Is this where you thought you would end up? Such a question typically draws out a hearty laugh since few people have a “linear” career. Most experienced professionals take the scenic route, and the path they took is usually full of interesting mistakes and revelations. Learn from them.
What is a skill you had to build the hard way? A surprising question, however, will instantly tell you whether someone will make a good mentor as the answer reveals the number one trait of a great mentor: self-awareness.
What are you most proud of? Allow your mentor time to shine. He/she will love you for it.
How can I help you? A bold question that catches most professionals off guard. Typical mentees are only concerned about what they can take from a mentor. All things considered, it is quite selfish. That said, when you communicate your willingness to give, you will set yourself miles apart from everyone else. Who does not enjoy a win/win relationship, in other words, a co-mentorship?
What organizations are you associated with and in what ways? No one becomes an expert, a rising star, or a genius in any industry without participating in the right conferences, working groups, or associations. A great mentor can help you build a list, filter out the best one, and, if lucky, get access to “invite-only” insider groups.
Anything FORM (family, occupation, recreation, motivation). It encompasses the four universal rapport-builders. A few examples include: What do you do to recharge outside of work? What motivates you most this season?
Who else do you recommend I connect with? Save this question for later meetings when there is more trust, as it may exponentially expand your network.
If a specific question comes up, may I follow up with you? The Holy Grail of questions with professionals. Have you ever met someone who had mastered the dating scene? You will immediately notice that they never leave the first date without promising a second. If the professional seems like a good fit, never leave a meeting without the promise of a future encounter. Note, you are also communicating that you will only reach out with a relevant, specific question. Most professionals will agree with that.
Overall, if you are building a business in 2026 or plan to grow an existing one, schedule a free one-on-one with a BEAM mentor today to start practicing.
