One of the most significant ways to succeed is to surround yourself with those who are more successful than you. Les Brown says, “If you are the smartest person in your group, you need a different group.”
Who do you have in your life who has been where you want to go? I am not talking about someone who is only supportive of you getting what you want (that is a friend). I am talking about someone who has already been where you want to go and is supportive of helping you get there (that is a mentor).
Here are 5 types of mentors everybody needs:
Life Mentor: Someone you can trust who lives a life similar to what your are looking to accomplish. Someone who in balanced, present and all-around happy. They have had ups and downs, twists and turns and can help motivate and inspire you when you feel down or hungry for more.
Money Mentor: Someone who knows about money, how to invest it and what to do with it. Someone who is financially stable enough to spend time where they want, when they want and with who they want. Someone who considers themselves to be financially successful but still wants to do more. Someone who has lost a lot of money (so you can learn from their mistakes) and someone who has made a lot of money (so you can learn from their successes).
Family Mentor: Someone who is driven by their heart and focuses on their family first. Someone who can give you sound relationship advice and you can talk to openly about your relationship struggles and family ambitions. Someone who believes family is the most important thing and someone who can help you make your family stronger.
Business Mentor: Someone who is business savvy. They know how to start a business, what type of business you should own and have started a couple themselves. Someone who has tried and failed (so you can learn from their mistakes) and someone who has tried and succeeded in business (so you can learn from their successes). Someone who is connected in the business world, who reads, studies, thinks, lives and breaths business.
Expert Mentor: Someone in your specific field. Someone who knows more about the subject you are passionate about than any other person. Someone who is considered to be an expert in their field and knows what happened, what is happening and what will happen in your industry!
Meet with these mentors on a regular basis. I usually meet with mine monthly and check in every so often with a question or an update with my life.
Take them out to lunch, write then hand-written letters, show them what you are doing with what they taught you and be appreciative. Mentors can help you accomplish your big goals and connect you with the right people. I know for a fact I would not be where I am today without mine!
Go out and find these five mentors to help you succeed in the areas that matter most to you! As always…
Dream BIG,
Ryan
Ryan-
Thank you for the post. You really got me thinking about the power of mentorship yet again. I remember listening to you speak at a breakfast in Exton, PA about mentors. You said to start building relationships with people that you want to pursue as a mentor one day. I took the advice and have been adding value to individuals in my church, community and in multiple organizations. I’ve reached out to numerous people in the the fields that you’ve suggested and it’s almost been like magic. It’s amazing how many people are willing to help when you ask. Thank you so much for all of your advice and wisdom.
Oh, and check this out! I’ve been listening and studying your How to Be a Speaker CD set non-stop in my car and putting the suggestions into action. Because of the advice on the CDs I just landed a huge promotion at work! The content in your home study course has been invaluable to me.
Thank you!
-Matt Zaun