I recently got a brave message on LinkedIn saying:
“Hey Liz, I read your article on Medium on ‘starting your business while working full time” Those steps really helped me! I’m looking for a mentor to help me achieve my goal of starting a company whilst working a full-time job. Please be my mentor? I would love to learn from you!”
Very brave indeed, I thought. I love when people take initiative. When they put themselves out there, even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when they might be rejected. That shows drive. Hunger. Ambition.
But also humility.
I have big goals and I need help achieving them. It takes a lot to have that self-awareness. And then act on it.
There was only one problem: I am a professional coach, not a mentor.
So I replied:
“Hi x! Thanks so much for reaching out.
I am glad you liked my article! Since I work as a professional coach, I don’t take on mentees but I help entrepreneurs achieve their goals in my 1-on-1 coaching programs (which I believe is even more powerful than mentoring).