5 Keys To Engaging A Good Mentor

A mentor is someone who sees more in you than you see in yourself.

At first I didn't really know what I wanted so I only found
other confused people. This gave me an excuse to hide
behind my fear. So put your vision in writing in detail. If
you were taking a thousand mile car trip you would likely
know where you want to end up. That's your vision or your
destination.

How to get there is another story. You want to scream
out, " I know where I want to go but I don't know how to
make it happen." You are not alone but it can really feel
like it. Someone comes along at just that right moment when you need inspiration.

You may have hit a brick wall and can't see your
way around it. You feel stuck and don't know where to go.
Ah, and then you spend an hour or even 15 minutes with
someone who has been there and has successfully scaled that
wall, and then you know it can be done. It gives you new
energy because a good mentor will see the resources in you
that you are not seeing in yourself.

Possible mentors are not likely to throw themselves at you
saying, "take me." So here are a few helpful hints to
help you find and keep a mentor.

Overcome your fear
If you meet the perfect person and your fear gets in the
way of you initiating, you need to ask yourself if your
fear is more important than your success. Go back to your
vision and add a picture of you and your mentor together.

When no money is exchanged
If there is no money exchanged, don't ask for too much
right off. Your person may have learned to protect her
time and may not know you well enough or be too busy to
make a commitment. It is much better to invite her to have
a cup of coffee at a cafe near where she works to make it
easy for her to say yes.

Always offer to give back
Successful people are likely to be busy. You want the
expertise and wisdom this person has. When someone says,
"yes, I am willing to help you," it is a gift to you
especially if there is no payment involved. Appreciation
goes a long way. Pick up a check at the cafe, send a thank
you note or offer to help them with something they need.

Paid mentor
Often a mentor will be a person who you are paying for
seminars or one-on-one sessions. This can be a better deal
for you. Because you are paying, the person will make
time for you as it is part of their business. You will get
quality and focused help in much more depth.

Listen
Begin asking him about his business or project,
because not only are you showing an interest, but in
listening to him is where the gems are. His stories and
experiences can inspire you and help you see how to get
past your wall.

This is one of the most important tools to build your
business.