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Getting a Mentor

Overview

Finding a good mentor is not something to be taken lightly. This is a relationship that should last a long time, and it should be with someone whose opinion you trust.

I recommend you find a mentor before starting beekeeping. A great mentor will help you make the right choices with

1. Equipment to buy
2. How to get your first colonies started
   • Buying a package of bees
   • Buying a NUC
   • Buying a complete hive and colony
   • Catching a swarm

But don't be dismayed if you already jumped in and don't have a mentor. It is not too late to get assistance.

Step 1

Before seeking a mentor, assess yourself to ensure you know what skills you are seeking from a mentor.

1. What got you into beekeeping, and what do you want to achieve?
2. What type of beekeeping do you want to pursue. For example,
   • Do you want to use horizontal hives or Langstroth?
   • Do want to be treatment free (natural), or are you OK with using treatments to control pests?
3. What are you are hoping to gain from the mentor's assistance?
4. When would you like to meet with this person?

Step 2

Look around at possible candidates. Some places to seek one include:

1. Your local beekeeping club. This is a great place to start. If you haven't joined one yet, please do so sooner than later.
2. The local farmer's market.
3. Other beekeepers you may know

Step 3

Reach out to the potential mentor and ask them to mentor you. Don't be scared, they can only say one of these things:

• Yes
• Maybe, let me get back to you
• Apologies, but no: I'm too busy to give this the proper attention
• No

If the person does not agree to mentor you, ask them if they have a recommendation (that is how I ended up with my mentor). And then move on to your next choice and do not be dismayed. As Garth Brooks sang,

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