How do I find a Mentor?

[Russ H]

Sid-

There was a guy in my industry. A kind of god (small "g"). He developed most of the modern day systems for evaluating small room acoustics. In other words, we know about small room acoustics today because of the work this one guy has done-- and the people who were inspired by him.

(definition: small room acoustics refers to anything smaller than an auditorium, church, etc--- in other words, residential listening spaces).

Since I made my living designing listening spaces for homes, this guy was my idol. I looked up to him, read all of his work (in that way he was my mentor), and pretty much just idolized what he'd done.

So it made sense that, even as a "famous" guy in my industry, I got completely tongue tied and bashful the first time I met him. Prolly didn't say more than 5 words (3 of which were "hello" and "good bye").

Third time I met him, I stammered out something like, "You know, there are a million things I'd like to talk about with you. But I'm so in awe of your work, and what you've done, that every time we meet, I'm at a loss for words" (I'd actually practiced saying these exact words, about 50 times-- because I knew that my mind would draw a blank when I saw him again).

So I blurted out this pre-rehearsed drivel. Stopped.

And he laughed, heartily. "Russ, my boy, we'll just have to sit down over a few drinks. I'm not that bad a guy. And there are things I'd like to chat about with you, too."

That was the beginning of a long friendship. We'd talk frequently on the phone-- I'd call him when I had a question, or was writing an article that involved acoustics. And he'd share his new findings w/me-- both as papers, and in person (I'd fly down and he'd show me what he was working on).

I still admire and respect him-- and consider him the father of small room acoustics. But I'm no longer intimidated by him.

And I'm honored to call him my friend-- not just a professional acquaintance. Last time I was down in his neck of the woods, I stayed at his house (he and his wife are consummate hosts). He asked for my input, and I gave him some ideas for his home theater system set up (he was the small room acoustics god. I was just a home theater 'guru'). For years afterwards, I'd hear him telling his friends that I had given him great ideas for his home theater. It was quite an honor to be held in that esteem by him.

*******

So, the point of my story?

Don't be afraid to tell this guy you're nervous-- tell him why. If you have to, practice a humble intro like I did, in case you get brain freeze.

And from that point on, just be honest. Try to have your goals/ducks in a row before your meeting (in other words, what you'd like to learn from him). Offer him whatever you consider you bring to the party in return (sweat equity, a different perspective, whatever).

Don't go out to impress. Go out to be genuine, and honest.

Sure worked for me.

-Russ H.

 

[DeletedUser394]

This is gold!!!!

Confidence vs. Arrogance

October 22, 2009

Confident people are very attractive. They have an air of self assurance about them. Arrogant people, on the other hand, can be a turn off. They’re not sure, they’re cocky. They use their arrogance to hide insecurity. Confidence can land you a gig, arrogance can cause you to lose out.
Here are a few more differences between people who are confident vs. people who are arrogant:
Confidence is knowing you’re up to the task. Confident people don’t have to wonder if they’re qualified to pitch for a job. They’re always sure about the job they can do and convey this to the potential client in an equally assured manner. They know why they’re a perfect fit for a gig and tell the client in a calm, clear manner. Their resumes show a long list of happy clients.
Arrogance is saying you’re up to the task. Arrogant people are abundant in bravado but lacking in substance. In a job interview an arrogant person won’t talk about why he’s best suited for the task. Instead, they talk about why the other people are wrong for the task. Arrogant people don’t know how to talk about themselves without insulting others.
Confident people share details. They answer questions without a lot of “me,” “me,” “me.”
Arrogant people: Brag.
Confident writers hope potential clients recognize their ability.
Arrogant writers criticize anyone who doesn’t appreciate their greatness.
Confident people aren’t worried about competition and don’t mind sharing the tools and stories leading to their success.
Arrogant people use their skills to talk down to others.
Confident bloggers teach.
Arrogant bloggers condescend.
Confident people keep an eye on their fellow writers and bloggers but don’t consider themselves competition.
Arrogant people bad mouth others to prop themselves up.
Confidence: You walk.
Arrogance: You strut.
Confidence: People take notice.
Arrogance: People roll their eyes.
Confident writers offer respectful disagreement when their thoughts don’t jibe with that of another writer.
Arrogant writers point fingers and call names but never make a point.
Confident writers have the faith and the ability to meet their their clients’ needs.
Arrogant writers: It’s their way or the highway.
What are some of the difference you see between confidence and arrogance?

LOLOLOLOLOL it's a carbon copy of what's happening in this thread. 'Nuff said :smash::smilielol::smash:

I printed this and am about to post it on my bedroom wall

PS: If anyone is interessted, there is an unmolested thread with the same topic http://www.thefastlanetomillions.com/your-goals-your-fastlane-plan/8884-how-find-mentor.html

 

[Sid23]

A huge thank you to everyone for their ideas and thoughts.

I just got back from my lunch.

IT WAS OUTSTANDING!!!!!

We had a great vibe right from the start. We pulled up to the restaurant at the same time (and had the exact same car!) and it went from there. Turns out he lived about 3 minutes away from where I did when in California and we both left CA for the same reasons. So after about 5 minutes, we figured out about 10 things we had in common. It made the lunch fly by. We ended up talking for almost 2 hours.

I was very respectful and polite, but definitely felt CONFIDENT and I think it showed.

He gave me lots of great advice and thoughts about what he would be thinking about if he were me and who he’d be trying to meet.

He told me it spoke volumes about my commitment to the industry because the market was dead and I was the only person who had reached out to him in some time. Said it shows I understand the “big picture” and my passion. He also said my experience is solid and he thinks I have all the tools I need.

I told him I hoped we could find something to work on together at some point, and he told me to go find a deal and we’ll do it together. Even something like a single family home or duplex…just find something that makes sense.

And he suggested we have lunch quarterly to stay in touch and keep each other posted on progress.

So now my task is clear. Find a real estate deal that makes sense and get to begin to work with my idol, who will hopefully turn into my mentor and possibly partner.

Today was a good day. :banana:

Thank you again to everyone. You helped make this possible.

 

[Cat Man Du]

First, you set the meeting.

Go in strength ( Confidence ) and power ( Value ).

You are meeting a leader.


LEADERS ..... are looking for people who will work ... WITH them ..... not FOR them.

Look at it this way:

A store owner hires several people to run the place. ie: stock clerks, cashiers, etc. He spends NO time with these Brown-Nosers, but he will spend time with his managers...because they work WITH him and share his vision for success.

Use the aforementioned advice and HE will think you are applying for a BAG BOY .. still in high school.


I say this, because all of the advice is: FROM THE BOTTOM UP....... You are meeting with a LEADER....He views everything: FROM THE TOP DOWN. It‘s a completely different perspective.


Being in his position he prolly ( stole that word from Russ ) has plenty of money.............BUT not TIME. He will be looking for someone who can give him .... TIME. This is where you come in.


EXAMPLE:

Several years ago....... I hosted a radio program. While I had been a guest many times.......BUT had not been the host. As I walked into the studio.....I noticed that the GM was standing outside the window......watching me. I mentioned it to the host that was on before me and this is what he said:

HE IS THERE TO SEE IF HE CAN INTIMATE YOU..........BECAUSE IF HE DOES..................THE CALLERS WILL RIP YOUR GUTS OUT AND LEAVE YOU BLEEDING-OUT ON THE FLOOR.

REMEMBER THIS: HE IS THERE BECAUSE HE, EITHER CANNOT OR WILL NOT DO THIS JOB.

WHEN YOU SIT IN THIS CHAIR... IT BELONGS TO YOU ... THE TABLE AND MIKE ARE YOURS ALONE AND IT’S UP TO YOU AS TO WHAT YOU DO WITH IT!

You scheduled the meeting....... the table is yours.................ACT LIKE IT!


Why do you think that Dick Cheaney was chosen for VP...........it wasn’t because he was a nice guy....like the previous advice tells you to be. He was chosen because he is a ‘CAN DO” guy with steel-studded boots on.... You could depend on him to get the job done.


Leaders don’t like to talk about themselves, but they will talk about their latest passion.....ie, his new project...Transit?

This may be your only chance......there may not be another meeting......YOU MUST SELL YOURSELF.............NOW!

FASTLANE PRINCIPlES

Decide what you want................. and .........WHY you want it..... TELL HIM YOUR WHY.

1. Write down the goal.....GIVE HIM AN UP-DATED RESUME.

2. Ask for what you want..... DON’T BE AFRAID!!!!!! ASK - ASK - ASK.

3. Play by the rules...... SHARE HIS VISION....... TRANSIT?????

4. Be gracious when achieved....... BE CONFIDENT.....WITHOUT ... BEING ARROGANT.

These 4 items can be applied to almost anything you may want.

Remember.............................it’s your table............ACT LIKE IT!!



DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT:

You don’t know that he is working for nothing..........Cities pay.....BIG BUCKS for feasibility studies. Even if he is ....it’s because there is a Big Payoff in the future... it doesn’t mean that you have to. If you value your time as ZERO... so will he.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

I think all these approaches would work entirely dependent on the mentor's personality. The aggressive, confident, assertive, and cocky approach wouldn't work on me ... I'd be like "get lost" if you're so self-assured, why do you need me? The softer, humble "kiss your a$$" approach would be effective for me.

 

[Bobo]

Cat Man ...

You do offer one good piece of advice if one sifts through and paraphrases the following: Don't be in awe, be yourself and be confident.

The advice you give, and after many years in rah rah sales meetings working on multi-million dollar deals I've heard the same pitches, has some merit. When you walk into a situation where you aren't the leader and nobody knows it then taking charge can be very effective.

When you walk into a lunch with a guy who knows who you are, where you are and what you do and don't know then acting like the bear when he knows you are Bambi is stupid.

Some of us have been in situations where we've dealt with the very top people in our respective professions and we've learned that they should be treated like people, you should be yourself. You should not, however, think they are some naive rookie who will be wowed by someone who, having arrived for the Indy 500 with their skateboard, presumes to tell them what they don't know about driving.

Sorry but your advice will not get Sid a second meeting.

This guy knows he's the more experienced guy in the room, why start off trying to bullshit him?

Sid, be yourself, you'll do fine.

 

[andviv]

I'd say, don't try to sell him anything... not even yourself as a future partner or employee... simply tell him how much you admire his work, and ask him questions about some projects, ask him how he got started... listen carefully, and let him do most of the talking...

People like to talk about themselves (I know, I love to hear myself ). Let him do that.

P.S. Good luck, and let us know how it goes, ok?

 

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[Sid23]

But I have one question for you! What is one thing that you would recommend when meeting a future mentor or potential business partner?

By far, the most important thing I learned in this meeting is to find common ground. Do research on your potential mentor/partner/banker - whomever you are meeting - and find something that you have in common. Did you go to the same college? Do you live in the same neighborhood? Have a great friend in common?

After you've done that, figure out a couple of those things you share, and figure out a way to bring them up EARLY in the conversation.

Obviously, it helped that we both pulled up in a Prius (same color - couldn't have predicted that). BUT, I already knew he had a Prius from an article I had read about him, so I sat and waited for him to arrive, so we could get out of the car at the same time, so he would SEE that we had the same car. Sure, I got lucky he parked right next to me, but you get the idea.

I also knew his views on development and his ideas on design (many of which I share) and I was sure to drop those into the conversation early on to build on our things in common. I knew he was all about urban development (and probably didn't like the suburbs - same as me) so I told him a funny story about how my wife made me promise that I'd never move us to the suburbs...and he LOVED IT! So 5 minutes in he's realizing how much we have in common.

Obviously, it helps a TON when you have a ton in common, but I knew we did ahead of time so I had to be sure to make sure HE knew it.

So I helped myself by having solid experience, but I would say far and away the research I did before the meeting helped me TREMENDOUSLY. And its a great lesson I'll always use in the future.

 

[CVentures1B12]

Honestly, I have found all of my mentors by what some would call luck. However, when I think about it, it all started with my initiative.

When my old "9-5" sucked, I found another job, even in this economy. I worked hard at finding another job and it just so happened I was sharing office space with a Nashville RE mogul. I didn't know it at the time but I had created my biz plan and analysis spreadsheets. He saw me working on them one day and was very impressed. And it went from there! Not only is he a mentor, he is also my main investor!

As for my tutoring business, my partner/mentor has started a coffee biz and a non-profit and sold both of them for very good money. He is about 34 and, for all intents and purposes, a "retired" business owner/investor. He actually found me. I wanted to get involved in a non-profit and I took the initiative to stick my neck out there when I didn't know anyone in the organization. He was the executive director at the time and after I volunteered for almost 8 hours for their annual fundraiser, he asked me out to lunch to "pay me back" for my work. We started talking and after he found out about my RE business/rentals...it went from there!

So, in my experience, just get out there. If people enjoy you and see that you have the drive and motivation, someone will be willing to help you out and mentor you.

 

[alainn]

a great ressource I have found for people to find mentors for free is Micro Mentor:

MicroMentor: Home

 

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[JEdwards]

Was there something in particular that you liked about this guy?

No, just thought I would try to help him learn about biz... $10 an hour was in my head to start, once he proves he is worth something move him up quickly. Just the fact that he asked me to cover his bills shows he is not a real entrepreneur.

About 14 years ago a waiter at the restaurant I used to go to often, asked me if I would mentor him or at least he would like to be involved in the businesses and learn, I said sure, if you can work for 8 an hour. He said ok.

He worked out great, smart guy, within a few months I was probably paying him a grand a week. he bought one of my corvettes from me to drive everyday. Needless to say, now he owns a very nice size business. Has a nice 32 acre spread for his home, has 30 employees and makes a great living.

I am Not saying he would not of made it without me cause he would of, but I think I helped him along the way. I know he learned a lot in the 3+ years he worked for me.

 

[bflbob]

Heck...you've already sold us. Now tell him the same thing!

One of the things people love to hear is how they are someone else's hero.

As long as you don't come off too "stalkery", he'll likely feel that you are sincere.

If you really can spare the time to help him out for free (and if you are good at what you do), he'll really appreciate it.

It sounds to me as though you already know what to do. You've thought it out well. Just be honest, and be yourself.

If this guy is as successful as you say he is, he'll be used to dealing with people who look up to him. He'll be used to people being nervous around him. And, he'll be used to looking through all that to see the gold inside you.

Be sure to let us know how you make out!

 

[Jill]

... What is the next step follow up from there? I find that if it don't say something about a next meeting, call, or idea, I end up having a lot of first meetings...and not a lot of continued relationships.

If I were to just do this, what is the next step?

Sid ~
If you read 4HWW, you might recall his comfort challenge where you call a potential superstar mentor. What he suggested, at the end of the call/meeting was:

"Thank you for being so generous with your time. If I have the occasional tough question - very occasional - is there any chance I could keep in touch via email?"

I don't think you'd have to be quite so deferential since your relationship is already somewhat existent. But I like the idea. Or perhaps something like, "If I come across any projects or contacts in which I think you may be interested (wrt whatever your topic of lunch discussion,) I'll give you a call/drop you a note." Sometimes matchmakers in business networking are rewarded with preferential consideration on future projects as a token of appreciation for past introductions/favors.

 

[AroundTheWorld]

Leaders don’t like to talk about themselves, but they will talk about their latest passion.....ie, his new project...

I agree. You will have a successful meeting if you somehow connect with him. You will do this by talking about a shared interest... a shared passion.

A year ago, we walked into a partnership with a leader in the industry.

He was willing to give up a part of his company to us, and the only reason he was willing to do that is that we were able to show him, through a few conversations, that we had the ambition, drive, and aptitude to take the company and grow it.

I've been meaning to get around to writing about our experience of stepping into a partnership position in this company, but I haven't gotten around to it. But, the story does have something to do with....

* CONFIDENCE. This is a biggie. Many other people are intimidated by this man. I don't quite know why. He has accomplished tremendous things, for sure. He is THE leader in our area, for sure. He presents himself with confidence, and he won't put up with BS.

He got there by having all those traits that I know we have too. In that way, we are not so different.

* ASKING FOR what you want. It is so easy to back off what you really want because you think they would never do it, or that the dream is "too" big, or maybe it is just fear? Go after it! There is no reason not to! When we asked for a partnership position, rather than simply a consulting service, this man's eyes popped for a fraction of a second. He was surprised we had the gumption to ask. At the end of the day, we got what we asked for.

* DEMANDING what you know you are worth. This is a big one too, and one that has taken years to sink in for us. In the beginning, we were willing to do what ever it took to make it. Now.... not so much. I know my time is worth something. I know my knowledge is worth something. I know my experience is worth something. I will never again give those things away for free.

My suggestion for a first meeting....

Talk about the industry!
Relax a little and just get to know him.
If you have an opportunity, show him a little of what you know, or how you view things (the industry, etc.)
And of course.... if you see an opportunity... don't be afraid to ask for what you want!!

And... I like Jill's close. If you talk to him about something.... maybe a resource you know of, etc. promise to email it to him. This will keep the communication lines flowing.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Nowhere ........... did I say to be cocky. If fact............I said just the opposite.

Ok, let me REPHRASE with that one word removed "The aggressive, confident, and assertive approach wouldn't work on me." Translation: It wouldn't WORK ON ME

Someone who brings ...VALUE ...does.

Absolutely, but what about someone like me where MY VALUE RECEIVED is simply helping out a youngster? The guy that approaches me timid and "butt licking" would appeal to me as someone who genuinely needs help and stepped out of his comfort zone to get it.

Again, your inference is that mentors are all about MONEY and ACHIEVEMENT when some of us could be about genuine HELP. The value I get in mentoring might be my own personal selfish desire to help someone achieve their goals and grow as an individual, not "what's in it for me" in terms of money or free time.

THIS IS THE WORLD..WE LIVE IN TODAY!:coffee:

Perhaps your world where it is seen as black and white ... your perception does not make it reality anymore than does mine. The world is cast in varying hues of gray ... not black, nor white. Love your strategy as one of the many to choose from dependent on the mentor, the delivery of absolution, not so much.

 

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[SaraK]

Sid, I think you've gotten a lot of great advice here - be the confident, respectful, talented person you are, and I'm sure you'll make a good impression. If the person you're meeting with is the kind of person to be impressed by someone like Cat Man Du... do you really want to partner with someone like that? The nice thing about being yourself is that you attract people with a similar attitude to yourself and repel the people with a different attitude - which is a good thing.

Let us know how it goes Sid!

 

[Sid23]

Hi all,

I'm meeting with one of the best real estate developers in my city for lunch this week. He has developed some of the nicest residential buildings in my city and I have been following his work (and been a fan) for some time.

I "met" him a couple of years ago when he was looking for a project manager and I was living half way across the country. I sent him my resume and he responded, but turned out he was doing more of an "exploratory" candidate search, and at that point I wasn't prepared to move for the opportunity.

Now I find myself living in the same city as he is and I've stalked him (ok, just politely emailed and "pinged" him from time to time) and he suggested we set up a lunch.

Now, with the market in the tank and no new multifamily residential building going on in my city (and probably won't be for the next 2-3 years) I'm not sure how to approach this meeting.

Part of my PLAN is to leverage my real estate development skills and form a partnership with an older developer who would partner with me and let me essentially run the firm day to day and be the "big picture" and relationship guy who leverages his experience and uses me for my hustle, talent, etc. A lot of the successful guys I've worked with (and for) got to lead small firms this way. This is the #1 guy in my city I'd want to do this with.

My goal is for him to leave the meeting thinking, "Wow, Sid23 is a smart, ambitious guy and is someone I'd love to have work for/with me." Now, if there was a job/opportunity to be had, I'd go for it and I feel like I'd know what to do. But I want to seem like I "get it" and not come on too strong looking for something (a job, a partnership) that probably doesn't have any reason to exist right now.

Any ideas on how to best handle / approach this meeting? Questions to ask?

One idea I have is that I know he is doing a lot of work with the government regarding transit oriented development (planning - probably for free - thinking he'll get some deals when people start building again) and that I would flat out tell him I want to work with him and would be willing to help him with research or anything else right now (for free of course).

Thoughts?

(Normally, these types of meeting are my strong suit, but I am really nervous. I really look up to and admire this guy).

THANKS!

 

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[Bobo]

Sid - I think if I were he and you printed out the thread and handed it to him he'd get that you are serious and not just blowing smoke.

Good luck. Remember, he's a guy who does the one leg at a time thing too. "Be yourself" is somewhat of a cliche but cliches come into existence for a reason.


.....unless most people find you annoying, then be someone you know who people like.

 

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[Jill]

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree, Cat Man Du. You sound pretty passionate about your perspective on the matter. But the title of the thread is How do I find a Mentor. He's not looking for a partner at this point. He wants to learn from the guy, build a relationship, and eventually work with/for him.

You seem to equate humility and meekness with weakness. The etymology of the word from the Greek which became meek meant "power under control". I think this is an extremely attractive character trait in any man (or woman too, I suppose). It is possible to demonstrate confidence and value, and still have a teachable, humble spirit. When MJ and SteveO and Russ and, well, all the other super successful posters here show up to the B&P meetups, they're just as busy taking notes from us Bag Boys as we are from them.

I don't know you. So forgive me if I'm misreading you. But your approach screams loud, obnoxious, arrogant, used car salesman to me. Sid23 is more of a low key, smart, confident junior executive type. If a young punk came up to me acting all cocky like you suggest, I'd probably say, "Then what do you need me for? If you really have your sh!t so together, then go do it on your own. I have other places I could be right now." Okay, I wouldn't really say that. But that's what I would be thinking.

I think you're right about maintaining posture. But humility is just as important, in my humble opinion. Quiet confidence is so much more impressive than swagger.

P.S. And I think I know Bobo well enough to know that he wasn't seriously advising him to print out this thread.

 

[Russ H]

RUSS said:

I was working around George Lucas. Or Rick McCallum". Or Ray Dolby". Or Phil Lesh". Or Alex Trebek".

Am I supposed to be impressed?

Nope. Just showing that my approach works with some pretty high powered people (many more than I listed, actually).

I disagree, based purely on my own personal experience.



-Russ H.

 

[^eagle^]

There is a technique called "mirroring" That works well when selling yourself.

Most people are pretty reasonable and self assured. They are neither cocky, arrogant, or even confident. They are Human and have all the frailties of any one else. I like the addage of they "they put their pants on one leg at a time" Or I like to think of it as "everybody poops!"

I work in sales and a technique I use is called mirroring. If the person is just a regular guy then you can be a regular guy your self. Show what you can bring to the table and ask questions. Do not be afraid to say "I don't know".

Occasionally you run into these Alpha type personalities that need to be right all the time. These kind of people look at mistakes or ignorance as a weakness. Not for what it is. They have a need to push people down to make themselves feel better about themselves and blame others for their own incompetence. This can also be a successful trait, especially in the corporate world where the blame game is rampant. In this case You DO have to be a bit arrogant and Put down people too. I have been the grocery business for 20 years and seen it all. Quite frankly it is one big butt kissing chain that has more to do with kissing your bosses a$$ than the customers'.

Fortunately the majority of entrepeneurs know that this doesn't work as well as just giving value.

You'll learn when you can be a stand up guy and when you have to be a jerk. But My guess is that eventually you will not want to work with a jerk no matter what the payoff may be.

 

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[Bobo]

Whoops, my bad - so it is!

Glad to hear it went well.

Be sure to follow up now and keep momentum. Come back and discuss the deals you might want to bring him (generally) and practice on us.

Glad it worked out for you man, thought it probably would.

 

[x9vjzs098u123rnl]

I don't know if any of you guys have heard of this site, but I saw the link in another forum, and thought it was very relevant to this discussion.

SCORE | Small business mentoring and training | SCORE

I've never actually used the site, but they claim to be offering free mentoring from successful businessmen. I'm currently reading some of the mentor bios on this site, and when I start looking for a mentor (soon), I'll def go here.

 

[SaraK]

I don't know if any of you guys have heard of this site, but I saw the link in another forum, and thought it was very relevant to this discussion.

SCORE | Small business mentoring and training | SCORE

I've never actually used the site, but they claim to be offering free mentoring from successful businessmen. I'm currently reading some of the mentor bios on this site, and when I start looking for a mentor (soon), I'll def go here.

I've used SCORE once, good experience. If you need someone to look at your business plan to help you find what you missed, ask the questions that need to be asked, it's really helpful, especially because you can ask questions about your specific plan instead of just relying on generalized advice in books and such.

Something I read in a book once about how to get "connected" with potential investors is to volunteer for non-profit organizations, especially if you know that people you'd like to get to know also volunteer for that organization. And you get to help a good cause at the same time

 

[Yankees338]

Wow... This thread... Yeah... Now I remember why I used to be on this place 24/7.

Thanks for starting this thread, Sid, and thanks to everyone else for the contributions. This should be sticky'd or something.

 

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[Phil]

I just wrote my first email to a local u.k billionaire entrepreneur today asking him to Mentor me. I couldn't get a direct line to him so had to approach him through his charity and ask them to forward on the letter. In the process I also volunteered myself to assist with any events management/ fund raising they may require help with at the charity. I figure that wouldn't hurt my chances at getting to meet with him and even if not - I still get the opportunity to give something back.

 

[Yussef]

You can never have too many. I currently have a mentor that is the CEO of a Biotech company here where I live. I respect his busy schedule and if I have a question I text him and he responds. His company was worth about 700million when I met him at the mall and I knew about him through a friend and decided I would meet him one day. Then one day while my daughter and I were at the mall I saw my opportunity. I walked up to him and simply said hello and introduced myself. I didn't talk about me but I "briefly" told him what I admired about him and his company and asked if he would be interested in mentoring me. He said yes, gave me his cell number and the rest is history. His company Targacept is much larger than mine but you would be surprised what people will do when you are polite and show interest in them. Good Luck

 

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[J. van Driessen]

I am currently building a platform where mentors and mentees can find each other. Have a look if you are looking for a mentor, from any niche, from any where in the world.

 

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[Sid23]

I'd say, don't try to sell him anything... not even yourself as a future partner or employee... simply tell him how much you admire his work, and ask him questions about some projects, ask him how he got started... listen carefully, and let him do most of the talking...

People like to talk about themselves (I know, I love to hear myself ). Let him do that.

P.S. Good luck, and let us know how it goes, ok?

Thanks for all of the great advice guys. You all nailed it.

Andviv, let's say I play it this way (and this is what I *normally* do). What is the next step follow up from there? I find that if it don't say something about a next meeting, call, or idea, I end up having a lot of first meetings...and not a lot of continued relationships.

If I were to just do this, what is the next step?

 

[andviv]

I was gonna say something else, but seeing JScott's phrase, I'd use that at the end of the conversation... wow J, that sounds great!