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title: How to start working with a mentor or mentee
---

Mentorship Support

# How to start working with a mentor or mentee

This project guide helps two Sky’s the Limit members work together through five meetings as they collaborate to establish a successful mentoring relationship.

##### **Meeting 1:* ****Get to know each other and set clear expectations*

**Before this meeting: **

- Review: [**How to have a productive Intro Meeting**](https://www.skysthelimit.org/guide-to-your-first-mentoring-or-advising-session) and the[ **Mentoring Meeting**](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ztR3DDtVyh0HxMFwN6IZ3gf1g2gLfo4BNBaeIeQzybg/copy)[** **](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ztR3DDtVyh0HxMFwN6IZ3gf1g2gLfo4BNBaeIeQzybg/edit?usp=sharing)**Guide.**

**In this meeting:**

- Use the [**Mentoring Meeting Guide**](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ztR3DDtVyh0HxMFwN6IZ3gf1g2gLfo4BNBaeIeQzybg/copy) to set expectations and agree on a communication plan. 

1. Click here to create your own copy of the [**Mentoring Meeting Guide****.**](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ztR3DDtVyh0HxMFwN6IZ3gf1g2gLfo4BNBaeIeQzybg/copy)

**After this meeting:**

- **Entrepreneur:** be sure to thank your mentor for their time. 
- **Both:** share any relevant tools or resources with each other. 

 

##### **Meeting 2: ***Use* *5 C’s to identify top two challenges*

**Before this meeting: **

- Review: [**5Cs of Problem Solving**](https://www.skysthelimit.org/meeting-guide-problem-solving-with-the-5-cs)

**In this meeting:**

- Use your copy of your [**Mentoring Meeting Guide**](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ztR3DDtVyh0HxMFwN6IZ3gf1g2gLfo4BNBaeIeQzybg/copy) to identify and talk through your top two challenges to starting or growing your business.

**After this meeting:**

- **Entrepreneur:** be sure to thank your mentor for their time. 
- **Both:** share any relevant tools or resources with each other. 
- Note any agreed-upon next steps.

 

##### **Meeting 3: ***Discuss the first challenge*

**Before this meeting: **

- Review: The first challenge identified in your last meeting

**In this meeting:**

- Determine the best approach to talking through this challenge and working toward solutions.
  
    - **Gradual Release Model (Page 9 of your Mentoring Meeting Guide)**
    - [Setting SMART Goals](https://www.skysthelimit.org/how-to-create-smart-goals-and-strategize)
- Use the Gradual Release or SMART Goals section of your **Mentoring Meeting Guide **to take notes.

**After this meeting:**

- Note any agreed-upon next steps.

 

##### **Meeting 4: ***Discuss the second challenge*

**Before this meeting: **

- Review: The second challenge identified in your last meeting

**In this meeting:**

- Determine the best approach to talking through this challenge and working toward solutions.
  
    - **Gradual Release Model**
    - [**Setting SMART Goals**](https://learning.skysthelimit.org/strategy/smart-goals?rq=smart%20goals)
- Use the Gradual Release or SMART Goals section of your **Mentoring Meeting Guide **to take notes.

**After this meeting:**

- Note any agreed-upon next steps.

 

##### **Meeting 5: ***Review progress and determine next steps*

**Before this meeting: **

- Review: Review any meeting notes from you past four meetings

**In this meeting:**

- Both mentor and mentee should note any **wins** (positive experience, business milestones or goals achieved, etc.) and **opportunities** (things that didn’t go quite right, communication issues, etc.)

**After this meeting:**

- Either way, follow up! Be sure to thank each other for the experience of working together. 
- Be sure to mark your project complete, [**update your business tracker**](https://app.skysthelimit.org/home/milestones)**,** and start a new project!

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##### Want to talk to someone who can help?

Sky’s the Limit members are connected to a community of volunteer business mentors, more free tools and guides like this one, and exclusive funding opportunities.

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[ SIGN UP TO FIND A MENTOR ](https://app.skysthelimit.org/home/user-registration/)

[ << How to Create SMART Goals and Strategize ](https://www.skysthelimit.org/how-to-create-smart-goals-and-strategize)

[ How to Create a Marketing Plan >> ](https://www.skysthelimit.org/how-to-create-a-marketing-plan)