We were what you might call ‘wantrepreneurs.’ We were open for business for months and yet to produce anything.
We had a great concept, a ton of knowledge, tools to implement our strategy, but something huge was missing. We needed help. And I hated asking for help. Maybe it was my upbringing, my pride, or both, but I had to suck it up if we were going to see our ideas come to fruition.
The world of professional real estate investing was pretty small and still is. I say that because there are many who have real estate portfolio’s who don’t call themselves ‘real estate investors,’ are part of networking groups, or were part of the general real estate community like we were.
I embarrassingly called up a few of my real estate buddies to let them know what I was up to and that I needed help. Among those few we finally connected with a strong person to model our business after.
A few calls, teas, and wise cracks later, we established a working relationship which got us the expertise we needed to jumpstart our operation. We set up a great win/win.
And though the mentorship only lasted a year, the effects were a massive impact in our life trajectory and I am still truly grateful for that.
What follows are the key insights I uncovered about the value and importance of mentors as well as how to go about finding the right mentor.
1. Leverage experience
Going at it alone limits you. I don’t care how good you think you are, put down your Koolaid and realize how powerful it can be to profit from the lessons, experience, and wisdom of someone who has already done it thousands of times.
A mentor might have accumulated not just the knowledge you’re looking for, but also the people, resources and access to many of the things you have not even thought about yet. There will undoubtedly be experiences you will need to have yourself but why not learn from someone else’s mistakes so you don’t have to.
2. Know what you want
Convinced about getting a mentor? Write down the 10-25 qualities you want in your mentor. From their sense of humour, amount of experience, level of integrity, you need to know what you want so you can recognize it when you see it.
3. Listen in
Once you are clear about the kind of mentor you desire in your orbit, start bringing it up or listening in for it in conversations. At the gym, restaurant, or gatherings, you never know where this person will show up. Be patient.
4. Build rapport
Most mentors will come along informally. They will help you because they like who you are, what you’re about and want to see you succeed. Get to know them and build a real connection with them.
5. Provide value
Find ways that you can help support them in the work they do or offer anything of value to them. The best mentors will enjoy helping you and generously offer you their time and expertise. Most often, getting on their radar is best achieved if you do something outstanding for them.
6. Don’t force it
I’d advise against proposing marriage on a first date and the same thing goes for requesting mentorship. Let the relationship build towards mentorship naturally.
7. Go with your gut
Listen to what your intuition tells you about the person. Even though they check all the boxes on your wish list, they still might give you the willies. If they are genuine and you have a good feeling about them, you’re on a good track.
8. Graduate
If you follow this protocol you’re set for amazing lifelong friendships. The teacher/student nature might be ongoing or it might end at some point and you have no way of knowing. Let the conversations, lessons, and results unfold what is next for you.
If it’s time to move on, move on. If you need help in another area from someone else, do it. You will find a ton of value in having mentors for a variety of things.
Be open to the idea. Allow them to guide you. Don’t be surprised when they help you unveil your greatest self.
Photo by: James Wheeler