I’ve had some incredible mentors in my life…in my business and personal life.

But most people associate mentors with helping them get work or introduce them to the important people in their industry. My mentors have helped in other ways.

What does it mean to be mentored?

First, it could certainly mean important introductions. Your mentor probably has connections to industry people it might be useful to know for work.

Second, a mentor can help you improve your skills, specifically in the context of actual projects. If you’re confronting a challenging task, you might want to seek the advice of someone trustworthy.

Third, a mentor can lead you to increased confidence. Encouraging and honest feedback plus a reminder to brush yourself off when you hit a roadblock go a long way toward keeping your self-esteem up.

So, clarify exactly what you’re looking for in a mentor. Most experts are great at one of the three types of mentoring, but rarely can one person meet all needs.