We all remember the classic mentoring relationship. Senior workers would take junior workers under their wing and guide them throughout their careers. Today, people rarely stay at jobs long enough to be a mentor or mentee. Therefore, Kathy E. Kram and Monica C. Higgins from The Wall Street Journal proposed a solution to this issue called the “Developmental Network.” Their model suggests that rather than look up to one person as a guide, you should build up a team of mentors from all areas of your professional and personal life, whether you work in advertising, accounting or fashion. A network of mentors would give you a broader range of advice and information. In addition, you wouldn’t have to just rely on one person for guidance.

Creating a network of mentors is no easy task. It’s difficult keeping up with just one mentor. It takes a lot of effort to stay in contact with a whole network of mentors. However with the right blend of skills and strategy, you will be able to handle it. Here are eight tips so that you can begin creating your network today!

1. Talk First…. & Often – Do not be shy about initiating and maintaining contact with people who can support and develop your career. Constantly ask for help, information, feedback and advice. Also, don’t just talk to your peers and your boss. Those are the people who most likely already have a vested interest in you. For example, you could talk to senior managers in other parts of the company.

2. Read Between the Lines – You should be able to recognize when colleagues are interested in becoming your mentor (even when they are not direct about it.) Pay attention to signals from senior co-workers. For example, if they ask you about the kinds of challenges you’re facing, then you should see the potential there to build a relationship.

3. Go the Extra Mile – You must put in work in order to build and maintain these relationships. Be assertive about meeting up outside of work so that you can talk privately and informally. Keep in frequent contact with your mentors because it keeps the relationship strong. Perhaps you can arrange a weekly coffee date.

4. Do Your Homework – When you do meet up with potential and/or current mentors, be prepared. For example, you could bring a challenge that you want to discuss. Consult your mentor with solutions that you have already come up with to solve your problem. This will show your mentor that you are prepared for your challenges but value their opinion at the same time. Don’t forget to follow up with your mentor and thank them for their advice.

5. Share Information – Deep relationships are based on openness, sharing and trust. Sharing personal issues with people makes them feel as though you value them highly and trust them. That doesn’t mean pour out your deep, dark secrets but disclose things like career failures, disabilities you may have struggled with and conflicts with another person in your company.

6. Make it Mutual – A network works both ways. You have something to offer your mentor too. Help them out whenever you can.

7. Be Personable – Be easy to get along with. Be sure to have empathy, the ability to listen and strong conflict management. Leave people around you feeling positive after having been around you.

8. Have a Positive Attitude – Lean on people without thinking of it as a burden. You should see it as a chance to build bridges. Asking for help earns you respect in the workplace.