Starting Your Conversation
Text messaging is how you connect with mentors and mentees on our platform. This guide covers everything you need to know about starting conversations, using the messaging features, and making the most of your scheduled communication time.
Before Your Scheduled Time
Prepare in advance for the best experience:
- 24 Hours Before: Review discussion topics and prepare questions
- 1 Hour Before: Gather any materials or information you want to share
- 15 Minutes Before: Be ready to start messaging at the scheduled time
- At Scheduled Time: Open the messaging thread and begin your conversation
Tip: Being ready to respond at the scheduled time shows professionalism and helps maintain conversation flow.
Step 1: Access Your Conversation
There are multiple ways to start messaging:
- Dashboard: Click "Start Conversation" on upcoming scheduled time card
- Calendar: Access from your integrated calendar
- Email Reminder: Click message link in reminder email
- SMS Reminder: Tap link in text message
- Direct Access: Navigate to Messages and find your connection
- Mobile App: Tap notification to open conversation instantly
Step 2: Starting the Conversation
When you're ready to begin:
- Open the messaging thread with your mentor/mentee
- Send a friendly greeting to start the conversation
- Reference the scheduled topics or agenda
- Ask your first question or share your initial thoughts
- Wait for their response and continue the dialogue
Pro Tip: Start with context about what you'd like to discuss to make the conversation more focused and productive.
Step 3: Using Messaging Features
Familiarize yourself with available messaging features:
- Text Messages: Send and receive text messages in real-time
- Formatting: Use basic text formatting to emphasize points
- File Sharing: Share documents, images, or other relevant files
- Links: Share helpful resources and articles
- Message History: Review past conversations for context
- Notifications: Receive alerts when you get new messages
- Read Receipts: See when messages have been read
- Typing Indicators: Know when the other person is composing a message
Step 4: Messaging Etiquette
Follow these best practices during your conversation:
- Be responsive during scheduled messaging times
- Write clear, concise messages that are easy to understand
- Use proper grammar and punctuation for professional communication
- Break long thoughts into multiple messages for easier reading
- Give the other person time to read and respond thoughtfully
- Stay on topic and reference your discussion agenda
- Be respectful and professional in all communications
- Acknowledge messages even if you need time to provide a full response
Step 5: Ending the Conversation
When your scheduled time is complete:
- Summarize key takeaways and action items
- Schedule next messaging time if continuing the relationship
- Thank the other person for their time and insights
- Let them know you're signing off for now
- Complete any post-conversation feedback if requested
- Add notes for future reference
Communication Tips
Be Clear and Specific
Avoid vague questions. Instead of "How do I do better?", ask "What specific skills should I develop to advance to a senior role?"
Provide Context
Share relevant background information so your mentor/mentee can give more targeted advice and support.
Use Thoughtful Pacing
Don't rush through topics. Give time for thoughtful responses. Messaging allows for reflection between exchanges.
Save Important Information
Take notes or save key messages for future reference. You can review message history anytime.
Asynchronous vs Synchronous Messaging
Synchronous (Real-time):
Both parties are online at the same time, exchanging messages back and forth quickly. Best for scheduled messaging times where both have agreed to be available.
Asynchronous (Delayed):
Messages are sent and read at different times. Allows for thoughtful responses and works well across different time zones. The conversation may span several hours or days.
Hybrid Approach:
Start with real-time messaging during scheduled times, then continue asynchronously for follow-up questions and updates between sessions.
Mobile Messaging Considerations
When messaging from mobile:
- Enable push notifications so you don't miss messages
- Use WiFi or good cellular data for reliable messaging
- Keep messages concise and scannable on small screens
- Review longer messages before sending
- Use voice- carefully - always proofread
- Access message history to review previous conversations
Connecting Outside the Platform
Users can choose to communicate outside the platform:
- Build Trust First: Start on the platform to establish rapport
- Mutual Agreement: Both parties must agree to exchange contact details
- Share Privately: Exchange phone numbers, email, or other contact info via platform messages
- Stay Safe: Only share contact details when you're comfortable
- Platform Benefits: Remember that platform messaging keeps all communications documented
Important: Sharing contact details is entirely optional and at your discretion. You can maintain a successful mentorship relationship entirely through platform messaging.
Messaging Best Practices Checklist
- Be available and responsive during scheduled messaging times
- Start conversations with a clear purpose or question
- Write professional, well-structured messages
- Respect response time - allow for thoughtful replies
- Stay focused on your discussion topics
- Share relevant resources and links
- Save important information from conversations
- End conversations with clear next steps
- Maintain regular communication between scheduled times if needed
- Keep all communication respectful and professional