How to Secure Exceptional Mentors in the Digital Sphere
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Anyone who has reached significant milestones in their life has often had a mentor guiding them. You likely recognize the importance of mentorship in enhancing your personal development. However, the real challenge lies in how to attract these exceptional individuals to mentor you.
Since my life became increasingly digital in 2020, I've grappled with this question. In the past, it was straightforward: find someone you respect, observe their techniques, apply what you learn, and allow the mentorship to evolve organically. But in today's online landscape, things are more complex.
With countless individuals vying for the attention of a select few high achievers, distinguishing yourself becomes crucial. This year, I successfully secured Matt Gray as a mentor on my advisory board, and the methods I'm about to share were pivotal in making that happen.
Become a Person Worth Mentoring
A key indicator of your success is when others begin offering you complimentary resources. This always puzzled me—why wouldn’t they provide these to those in greater need? The answer revealed itself in an unexpected scenario.
I witnessed a man stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle. While many passed by, I noticed him on my way to the market and later on my return trip. When I realized I needed to go back, he was still there. On my way back, I saw a crowd assisting him in pushing his car.
Upon inquiring, I learned they didn’t know him; they simply chose to help someone in need. The lesson? People will come to your aid when they see you taking initiative. This realization has stayed with me for over six years.
Instead of searching for mentors, focus on becoming someone worth mentoring. This approach naturally attracts the right individuals. High-caliber mentors are drawn to those who exhibit determination and ambition. Many overlook the significance of becoming worthy of mentorship while fixating on finding one. Just take action and observe the outcomes!
Engage with Their Content
It’s likely that any quality mentor you identify online is a creator. This is simply the nature of our modern age—it’s your gateway.
Often, when individuals encounter someone with a large following, they make contact without prior research, asking questions already covered in the mentor's content, and seeking without offering anything in return. This approach leads to being ignored.
Instead, aim to establish familiarity. Begin by engaging with their content and leaving meaningful comments—avoid generic responses like “Thanks for sharing.” The more you interact, the more they will recognize you.
Research indicates that we tend to favor things and people we encounter frequently. This is due to two psychological phenomena: the mere exposure effect, where familiarity breeds preference, and the propinquity effect, which emphasizes forming bonds with those we see often.
By consistently supporting the content of your desired mentors, you enhance your likability. This not only establishes your value to them—since your engagement boosts their reach—but also minimizes the chance of asking them something they’ve already addressed. Insightful questions demonstrate your attentiveness, which can be an ego boost for them.
Make the Ask
A 2019 survey from Oliver Nazarene University revealed that while 76% of respondents believed in the value of mentors for career growth, only 37% actually had one. A significant factor in this discrepancy is the hesitance of mentees to reach out.
You must ask for mentorship! The old adage rings true: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Most individuals fear rejection, but if you’ve followed the earlier steps, you’re already in a favorable position.
The worst that could happen is a lack of response or a simple “No.” You’d be surprised by how infrequently this occurs. I utilized the same techniques I'm sharing to connect with Matt Gray. After joining his course, I actively participated in discussions until I felt he recognized me.
When I was ready to reach out, I sent him a message explaining my goals and seeking his guidance. His response was enthusiastic: “Yes, of course! Hit me up any time with your questions!”
You must articulate what you want. The optimal way to connect is within a context that encourages a response. I reached out to Matt within his community, where my success would reflect positively on him—creating a win-win situation.
Showcase Your Progress Using Their Methods
When you request mentorship, you are essentially asking for a portion of someone’s time. If they agree, you become an investment. All investors understand the risks but choose to invest based on the potential for returns.
To ensure continued investment from your mentor, you need to regularly demonstrate a positive return on investment (ROI). This involves showing them how their guidance is helping you achieve your goals. For instance, during a group session with Matt, he emphasized the importance of adapting proven systems to fit one’s niche.
After implementing one of his strategies, I informed Matt of my success. You must keep your mentors updated on how their advice impacts your growth. This demonstrates that you are taking action and reassures them that they are making a wise investment.
Final Thoughts
Finding high-quality mentors online can be a daunting task. The key lies in:
- Becoming someone worth mentoring
- Engaging meaningfully with their content
- Making the ask
- Sharing your achievements based on their guidance
Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you.
Thank you for reading!
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