What a Mentor Can Really Do For You [AKA: Why My Mentor Scares Me To Death]
Have you ever wished you could just have someone look in on your business and show you exactly what to do? (or not do?)
Someone who could look at your business from the outside and help you connect the dots?
Someone who could make you feel less crazy and perhaps even provide you some comfort that you are actually on the right track?
That’s exactly what I had been looking for when I sat down with Jane earlier this year.
I had seen her speak and I immediately fell in love with her. She approached business from the same angle I did (processes and systems) and she has built up a multi million dollar company leveraging her skills.
I wanted to know what she knew! So I made the ask.
Five months later, I’m seeing the fruits of this magnificent relationship and it has me wondering why I didn’t do it sooner!
Here are a few KEY ELEMENTS that I believe have to exist in order for a mentor relationship to massively effect your business!
1. Find the right fit. It’s not enough that you want what they have. You must connect with a mentor on a deeper level. Do you approach business the same way? Do you have the same value system? Do you feel that you could add value to them as you’re asking them to add value to you?
I had been quietly stalking Jane for over a year (and by stalking, I mean interacting with her casually and establishing a respected relationship) before I made the ask. When the moment finally came, I knew that the way she approached business was how I did as well and I desperately wanted to know how I could do it at the level she had mastered. She’s an amazing person with a great laugh, but who is super serious and focused in business. I had so much respect for that. And because I had spent the prior year interacting with her in a professional manner that had proven my reputation, I knew she would take me seriously.
2. Set the expectations. What is your framework for working together? How often will you meet? What is your expected outcome and how will you interact? These things must be set into place on the onset in order to have an enjoyable and productive experience.
Before she said yes, Jane asked about my expectations. Once she understood, she agreed. During our first meeting, she communicated to me that her intentions are to help me evolve and produce results. And if I chose not to participate – or slack off – she would end meetings. Which leads me to…
3. Be afraid! Be very afraid! Okay, maybe that’s exaggerating a bit, but I think a certain amount of fear is good. Being afraid of letting them down and being afraid they’ll discontinue the meetings can actually help you perform at your best!
Every month, I have a healthy dose of anxiety before my mentor meeting. I’m terrified I didn’t do what I had promised to do or that I didn’t make big enough strides in my business and that she’ll stop our meetings. This fear drives me to make sure I do what I say I’m going to do and keep pushing myself!
4. Create an effective post-meeting ritual. Before you start your car to leave their office, whip out your phone and write notes in Evernote (or wherever you keep your notes) while the info is still fresh. Create a list of actionable take-a-ways that you have promised to implement. Most importantly: schedule time in your calendar to actually do those things!
My suggestion – block out a few hours right after your mentor meeting so you can actually work on the things you were just discussing. This way, you use all that positive, forward thinking energy while it’s fresh!
5. Say thank you. Whether you invest money for your mentor or they donate their time to you, a simple thank you is always appreciated. They would not have agreed to work with you unless they got joy out of helping others so intimately. Writing a nice little thank you note letting them know how much they have impacted you is always a win.
I could not be happier to have Jane in my life! The overall impact this mentor relationship has had on my business – and my personal life – has been tremendous.
If you do not currently have a mentor, I strongly encourage you to get up the courage to make the ask!
Connect With Us! |
|||
 |
|
|
|
Get Katie’s New Book
Leave a Reply