Business mentor questions...

[lerbertshemon]

I'm returning to the world of work after a stint off having my baby.

Instead of going back to my job, I'm setting up by myself as a trainer / facilitator / consultant, specialising in stuff to do with professional relationships and learning. Think supervision, conflict, assertiveness, reflective practice etc.

I have a vague sense (and a few people have suggested) that it would be helpful to have a business mentor. I have somebody in mind, but I'm not wholly clear on what I'd be asking for from her, what I want to get out of it, what's a reasonable expectation etc. I'm anxious not to ask her and alienate her by being too demanding, but at the same time don't want to sell it short and miss out because I've not asked iyswim.

Can anybody who's been or had a business mentor help me tease this out?

[lerbertshemon]

Hopeful bump for the evening crew....

[Hoppinggreen]

I have been a mentor.
It works best when they need help with an area that I have expertise in but they don't
Also, you need to decide exactly what you want from her and what form this help will take, everyone's expectations need to be clear from the outset.