If there’s one thing I know about success, it’s that you need to surround yourself with people who are better at what they do than you are at what you do. In my brief existence on this planet, I’ve come to realize that achieving success requires something crucial: surrounding oneself with individuals who excel in their respective fields. To have any chance at success, it is imperative to seek out those who outshine us in our own areas of expertise.
Having friends and mentors who serve as sources of inspiration can make an immense difference in one’s life. We all have someone we look up to, someone who embodies the achievements we hope to attain. Often, these individuals possess celebrity status, seemingly out of reach for ordinary folks like us.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
Oprah Winfrey
The Problem of Not Having Proper Guidance
We all need someone to show us the ropes, a captain to pilot us through treacherous waters. And finding the right first mate to accompany you on your journey is perhaps the most important decision you’ll ever make.
Choose wisely and you’ll be sailing smoothly. Choose poorly and you’ll find yourself paddling in circles while your ship sinks slowly into the abyss. But have no fear, for I aim to provide you with a map to avoid such a tragic demise.
Seeking Wisdom from On High
Now I know you look up to certain folks, as we all do. Famous actors and such – people you aspire to be. But take it from the old riverboat captain, those types are often too far removed from reality to serve as proper mentors. Their heads are in the clouds!
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
Roy T. Bennett
Best look close to home. Find someone respected in your community who’s achieved success in an area related to your own ambitions. Don’t limit yourself though. Inspiration can come from unlikely sources, so keep an open mind.
A good mentor need not be an expert in your specific craft. But he or she should possess skills and wisdom you aim to cultivate within yourself.
Got no one in mind? Well that’s alright too! Go out and meet some interesting locals. Folks with passion. With purpose. And don’t hesitate to pick more than one mentor. The more compasses pointing true north, the less likely you’ll drift off course.
Make Friends, Avoid Leeches
Now when reaching out to a prospective mentor, be friendly, not demanding. Offer your hand in partnership, not with palm upturned expecting handouts.
Nobody likes a leech my friend. But approach with humility, generosity and sincerity and you’re sure to find an open door.
You may encounter resistance at first. Secretaries and the like may be sheltering your target from the masses. But don’t fret. Win these gatekeepers over with courtesy and charm and they’ll gladly clear your path.
Try asking their advice. People do love to feel useful. If that fails, I’ve found early morning and late evening calls often sneak past the sentries unnoticed.
The Art of Crafting the Perfect Email
Email can be a tricky medium for first impressions. Easy to ignore amidst the flood of messages bombarding the modern mailbox. But with a bit of creativity you can catch anyone’s eye.
Simply determine your prospect’s preferred style of communication. Does he favor formality? brevity? wit? Once identified, mimic this in your approach.
Still not sure? Well here’s a little trick I’ve used to deduce the ideal formula. Send a series of messages from various aliases, each adopting a different tone. See which elicits a response and you have your answer.
Now craft a new message adopting that winning style, but using your real name this time. Voila! Instant rapport. But use this power judiciously my friend. Manipulation poisons relationships.
From Communication to Camaraderie
Once you’ve made contact, respect your mentor’s time. Build trust gradually through consistent, thoughtful interaction. Adapt your style to suit their temperament.
Patience and persistence are key. Not all pairings gel instantly. But in time, with care, mutual admiration will blossom.
“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”
Joyce Meyer
In conclusion, finding the perfect mentor is an important step towards success, but it’s not always easy. By being genuine, kind, and curious, you can build relationships with inspiring people who will help you learn and grow.
Rather than seek a traditional mentor, strive to cultivate a peer who inspires you. Share ideas openly. Offer feedback. Make it a two way street.
Do this and you’ll both arrive at your destination faster than going it alone. Smooth sailing ahead!
