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Find a Quality Mentor - Are Looking For Advice in All the Wrong Places?

Guest post by: Jude Smiley

Article Overview: If you've ever found yourself consumed by a challenge, unable to see which way is right......check your rolodex and make sure you're getting advice from the best sources, not the most available.

Find a Quality Mentor - Are Looking For Advice in All the Wrong Places?



A few weeks ago I was having lunch with a long-time friend and business person I really admire. At least I used to really admire. Over the course of the last few years I have found myself really questioning some of the tactics this person has used to get ahead. But instead of re-evaluating our relationship I've continued to seek their advice.

Finally, it dawned on me. I wasn't getting feedback from a source I admired or respected anymore. No longer did this person ‘do it' for me. In fact, just the opposite was happening. Then I remembered a great concept from one of my favourite authors, Harv Eker. In his book, "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" he tells the story of how he went searching for a financial advisor. Time and time again when he sat down with advisors they would ask him to share his financial statements. He in turn, would ask them to show him theirs. Of course, I thought. Why would you hire some-one to help you with your finances, if they can't do it well for themselves.

Well, isn't that always the way. We take our business challenges to our friends and family and then are disappointed in the advice they give. So why not take your business challenge, to the business person who you most respect and admire. Wouldn't they be able to offer better counsel? Wouldn't they truly understand what you're going through?? Duh.

Just because your husband or your sister is available doesn't mean they can help you. Sure they can offer moral support but real strategies for solving an issue or taking advantage of an opportunity would be better suited for someone who has actually been where you want to be.

I think the same philosophy applies when looking to hire a coach or mentor. In today's world of throw a rock and find a coach, I think we would all be better served to dig a bit deeper. How many coaches have got their own ‘lives' together? Did you know that statistics say that less than 10% of business coaches in North America make over $100,000 a year. Well, why would you want someone like that guiding you?

Instead, we should look for mentors - those that have paved the way - and are available to guide with solid action plans and ideas. Maybe you have to pay for it - but so be it. If you want counsel from a successful person then you have to accept that they know how valuable their time and expertise is.

I think that - is the best kind of investment to make. So, today I'm going back through my rolodex and identifying what kind of advice certain people would be best suited for. I'll keep my mind open - because truth is - sometimes great advice and insights come from unexpected places. But overall - if I have a specific challenge that I need guidance on, I'm going to go to the best source, not the most available one.

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Article Tags: business advice, coaches, good advice, marketing, mentors, success



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