How to Make Virtual Mentoring Work for You

Hello Friends, 

October is here, and with it comes a fresh theme for our weekly blog! This month, we’re exploring virtual mentoring! As an online platform dedicated to professional growth through mentoring, we at Konseye know the ins and outs of virtual mentoring and its immense benefits. From countless hours of peer-to-peer mentoring within our vibrant global community to in-depth engagements with industry experts, Konseye members have keyed in on the value of virtual mentoring.

Virtual mentoring offers unique advantages that in-person mentoring may not. For example, geography and distance no longer limit you - so long as you have an internet connection you can get seamless access to a mentor for support and guidance. At Konseye, we connect members with global mentors who bring diverse perspectives and expertise from various industries. This global reach is a game-changer for those seeking specific guidance that may not be readily available in their local network.

That said, the absence of in-person interactions can sometimes make it harder to build rapport, as face-to-face conversations often allow for more natural relationship development. But if you approach virtual mentoring with the same strategies and expectations as you would for in-person mentoring (like those typically found in organizations or academic settings) you may not fully experience the unique benefits that virtual mentoring offers. Below are three core strategies that both mentors and mentees can keep in mind to ensure successful virtual mentoring experiences.

1.  Embrace Technology Effectively

Ever spent hours in online meetings and ended the day exhausted but you never left your seat? Studies tell us “zoom fatigue” is real and since virtual mentoring depends heavily on technology, it is essential that both mentors and mentees take the necessary steps to ensure that the mentoring session is not just another “exhausting” meeting. So if you have one-to-one sessions with a mentor, here are some tips to make technology work for you: 

• Limit Session Length: Long virtual meetings can drain energy quickly. Keep mentoring sessions concise—aim for 30 to 45 minutes per session. This helps maintain focus and energy levels while still allowing for meaningful conversations.

• Set Clear Agendas: In mentoring, the mentee drives the agenda (after all you are the one who knows what type of information or guidance you need). Sending your questions ahead of time or topics you would like to explore would help the mentor prepare and this ensures your virtual mentoring session is efficient and goal-oriented. 

• Vary the Format: Mix things up! Yes it’s a virtual mentoring session but not all sessions need to be a video call. Good old fashioned phone calls while going for a walk are still a thing! If you are needing quick guidance, asynchronous communication such as email, text, or shared documents can help change the pace and monotony of one style of virtual mentoring.

2.  Embrace Group Mentoring Sessions

Group virtual mentoring sessions can enhance your overall mentoring experience. As a mentee, not only are you benefiting from hearing a range of perspectives, ideas, and insights, discussions can be more comprehensive than one-on-one sessions. For mentors, group sessions allow you to support multiple individuals at once, making it a more time-efficient way to share your expertise and answer frequently asked questions. As a whole, group virtual mentoring sessions also encourage participants to address common challenges as a collective.

One of the practices I adopt during my group mentoring sessions is to encourage other participants to respond to each other’s questions. Not only is this empowering for them to see that they have valuable contributions and helpful answers, it is also illustrative of Konseye’s core ethos - growth in community and a support network. Finally, group settings reduce the pressures on individual participants to ask all the questions. This allows for more natural, comfortable engagement that also lets you know - I’m not alone in this!

3. Establish Clear Goals and Expectations

Regardless of whether you are participating in a one-to-one or group mentoring session, establishing clear goals and expectations is extremely important. One of the most significant aspects of successful virtual mentoring is clarity. As strange as it may sound, a successful mentoring session is driven by the person seeking mentoring. This is because you know what you need and where you might need support. It is essential to clearly define your goals, as this allows the mentor to guide you more effectively toward achieving them. So before joining a session, reaching out by email or on Linkedin ask yourself: What do I really need right now? Whether it’s career development ideas, clarity on job options within your industry, someone to review application documents, interview tips and so on, being as specific as possible will help structure your mentoring sessions in a way that is beneficial to everyone involved. 

Not Sure Where To Start?  Join a Group Mentoring Session or Connect with the Community Forum 

This month, Konseye is launching an exciting business series for entrepreneurs from October to December, offering valuable insights and expert guidance to help you refine your business strategy. You can join one, two, or all three of the monthly sessions led by Peter Thompson.

Also, don’t forget to check out the community forum - the true heart of the Konseye community! It’s a space for dynamic conversations on a range of topics and a wealth of advice from your peers. So, jump in and make the most of your Konseye membership by engaging with the community today!

Can’t wait to connect with you! Have a wonderful week and remember: with the right network anything is possible.™ 

Adejoké

Team Konseye