We may receive commissions for affiliate links included in this article. This is a sponsored post. Future Sharks makes no warranties about the statements, facts and/or claims made on this article. These are the opinions of the author. Read our advertising and contributor disclosure here.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to reach levels of success, that others could only imagine?
It’s because they have an unfair advantage, they have mentors who have already had success, and are helping guide them on their journey. It is after all easier to learn from someone else not to touch a hot stove, than to test it for yourself and get burnt.
Over the last year I have worked with mentors in many different industries and these are my 4 best tips I have learned that has helped me connect with them.
1) Pay Them.
Most mentors who have had success didn’t do it over night. Their “over night success” took many hours behind the scenes learning and testing different strategies, and by paying them you are showing respect to all of their hard work and also show them that you are serious about working with them.
2) Join their paid programs.
For most people, paying a mentor for 1 on 1 coaching is too expensive, so by paying for their paid programs you can get the same access to them and their advice without having to pay a substantial fee. Most mentors are receptive to you reaching out to them, because they want you to succeed which in return gives credibility to their programs.
3) Trade something of equal value.
If you can’t afford to pay your mentor for their 1 on 1 mentorship, or their paid programs, you can always try to trade something of equal value. Let’s say your dream mentor is really passionate about golfing and you are great caddie, offer to caddie for them in return for their mentorship. I have actually used this to great effect by offering my service as a PR expert by getting them some free press.
4) Show up.
This one should actually be number 1 in terms of how important it is. In the business world, time is money. Most mentors don’t want to invest their time in people who don’t show up or listen to them. By showing up this means that you are dedicated and are serious about learning from them. Many of my mentors Have taken me months before they would even talk to me, but I made sure that I was always showing up. Whether that be by adding value to their social media posts, or going to events and conferences they were putting on, I made sure I was always in their mind so when I reach out to them they were more likely to take me more serious.
Now just like everything else in life these tips wont guarantee your dream mentor will work with you, however they will guarantee you a better chance than if you were just to reach out to them cold. These tips show that you actually value them, and in return they will value you. If by chance you don’t connect with them, dont sweat it – there are other mentors out there that you can learn from, and you can always reach out in the future.
➡ Looking to get featured on Future Sharks?
