Ask for Twenty Minutes
Eighteen easy tips to ask for twenty minutes, so meeting a mentor feels light and possible.
Small time, big value. Ask kindly.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Radical Candor (Kim Scott), Give and Take (Adam Grant), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why twenty minutes
Twenty minutes is easy to give. It shows you respect their time and keeps the ask small.
Ask for it.
Offer a call or coffee
Offer both. Choose what is easy for them.
Offer choices.
Be flexible
Say you can meet when and where suits them. Flexibility shows care.
Be flexible.
Send a calendar invite
Once agreed, send a clear invite with time and link. Details matter.
Send an invite.
Confirm the day before
A short reminder avoids mistakes. Keep it friendly.
Confirm.
Arrive early
Early arrival shows respect. Check technology if online.
Be early.
Stick to the time
Finish on time or ask if they have a few more minutes. Respect builds trust.
Watch the clock.
Say thank you at the end
Thank them for the gift of time. Warm thanks matter.
Say thanks.
Script: ask
Could I take twenty minutes of your time this month? Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: flexibility
I am happy to fit whatever works for you. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: thanks
Thank you for your time today, it meant a lot. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: asking for an hour
It feels heavy, so ask for less.
Ask small.
Troubleshoot: when they offer more time
Thank them and use it well. Stay respectful.
Be grateful.
Troubleshoot: when they cancel
Reply kindly and offer another time. Be understanding.
Be flexible.
Drill: ask for one meeting
Ask one person for twenty minutes this week.
Ask one.
Drill: write a calendar note
Write a short calendar description for your meeting.
Write it.
Offer your best two times
Choose times when people are fresh, like mid-morning.
Offer two.
Keep to twenty minutes strictly
End on time and thank them. Respect makes them say yes again.
Watch the clock.
Send a short thank you note after
A same-day note leaves a warm mark.
Send one.
Example: the twenty-minute call
Amy asked for twenty minutes, stuck to it and thanked him. He offered a second call.
Be like Amy.
Example: the walk and talk
Rob suggested a short walk. The mentor loved it.
Suggest a walk.
Troubleshoot: when they need to reschedule
Be flexible and kind. Offer new times.
Be kind.
Drill: practise your opening line aloud
Say thank you for making time and your first question.
Practise.
Show up with a notebook and one clear goal
Telling your mentor your goal at the start of the meeting helps them give advice that really fits you.
Write your goal.
Share a short update about your story first
A quick two-minute summary of where you are lets your mentor skip basic questions and go straight to useful advice.
Prepare a summary.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Could I take twenty minutes?”
“Any time that suits you.”
“A call or a coffee works.”
“I can adapt to your schedule.”
“Thank you for considering.”
“I appreciate it.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Choose a time
Offer choices
Make it easy
Confirm
Arrive early
Respect the clock
Thank them
Further reading
- Radical Candor (Kim Scott)
- Give and Take (Adam Grant)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Finding Mentors and Allies”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Write a Short First MessageNext: Prepare Good Questions →
- Why Mentors Matter
- Decide What Help You Want
- Find People You Admire
- Write a Short First Message
- Ask for Twenty Minutes
- Prepare Good Questions
- Follow Their Advice and Report Back
- Give Back to Your Mentor
- Keep the Relationship Warm
- Find Peer Friends at Your Level
- Find a Sponsor Who Speaks for You
- Become a Mentor Yourself
