There are two kinds of mentors: the ones you know and the ones you want to know. You want to be a good pupil to the mentors you may already have but you also want mentors at a higher level. It is very important to be picky with the people you confide in. Do not–I repeat–DO NOT confide in somebody without serious consideration and prayer.

There are a few ways you can be helpful to the mentors you already have and some tactics to get a hold of mentors that can accelerate you even higher than your current ones.

Listen Carefully

Nothing says “I want to learn” more than being able to listen. Contrary to popular belief, listening is a learned skill. Think it about, naturally we want to talk about ourselves or think about what we are going to say. No, don’t think, just focus on using those ears and your mentor will feel more at ease.

Be Considerate

Your mentor will be pleased if you are able to think about the overall. If you can think about the process of what it is you’re trying to learn and you can do something for your mentor without them expecting it, you’ll show them you have been paying attention.

Apply What You Learn

Similar to number 2, but when you’re on your own time. If you aren’t with your mentor and you can bring tangible improvement with you to the next meeting you have with them, that’s huge. Its one thing to be proactive while you’re with your mentor (thinking ahead) but you’re on a new level when you start doing that when you’re alone.

Gift Them

Send something to them in appreciation, whether you’re offering payment to them or not. Most people feel good when they get a gift.

Offer Help Frequently

If your mentor is in the business you aspire to be a part of, offer your help frequently and do it for free.

If You Are Mentor Hunting:

Be Certain of What You’re Trying to Achieve

You have to have clear goals in mind because it’ll show in your face and in your demeanor. Believe it or not, mentors have been around the block and they are most likely good with people. Be certain of what it is you’re trying to do.

Know That You Have Lots to Learn

Simply put, you must be knowledgeable about the thing you’re trying to learn more about (irony). If you know enough to talk for a brief amount of time, you’re in a good spot. You need to know a little bit beforehand in order to get your foot in the door.

Find Your Mentor’s Habitat

Go to places where there knowledgeable people are in abundance. Consider attending conferences or live calls, anything to get closer to meeting someone who has significant “pull” in whatever subject you’re interested in.

Get Involved

Once you find out where the skilled people are, get involved with anything you can. An easy way to get involved is to do it for free! If someone doesn’t have to pay you, you’re in good standing already.

Work Hard

Last but not least, get good at it. You want to get mad skills at whatever it is you’re involved with, be the best.

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29

God bless.