MAKE Mentors Crave You… Part 1

NOTE!  The following is a snippet from one of my paid Virtual Coach eclasses that will be released sometime this year.  Enjoy!

Morning,

Ever get an insane urge to break into an industry in which you just KNOW you’ll shine…but realize that having a brand-name endorse you would be, well, spiffy to the max?

‘course you have!  And one of the best ways to do this is to have a mentor attach himself/herself to your efforts…and help you out along those critical times when you’re uncertain whether you should turn left or right.

Mentors are great.  Period. 

These folks, already experienced in marketing in your field, ideally can help you focus your energies on what your audience would like to see you sell.  They can cut through red tape and provide crucial introductions to other entrepreneurs in your field.

Before you zoom to the Internet and search for your mentor, emblazon the following on your forehead. 

What do you have to offer?  I’m talking quality here, not money.  Many mentors like the idea of seeing one of their students become successful.  Can you convince a mentor that you are capable of taking things to the limit? 

Finding people qualified to be mentors is easy.  Finding one who has the time and willingness to help you  out is a whole ‘nother  matter. 

Back in 1998 when I first started writing for the Internet recruiting industry, I was lucky enough to cross paths with Bill Vick, the one, the only, the true master of recruiting, employment, and everything in between.  I had the skills he needed (I knew SEO inside and out), and he knew the industry for which I was writing.  We both had bunches to offer one another which benefitted us greatly.

When I started writing The Real Estate Pro’s Internet Edge, (a book that ended up being THE product pick for 2000, even though I was not a realtor)I looked for all current real estate organizations.  One of them, The Real Estate Cyberspace Society, had the kind of info and philosophy I find irresistible (resource-sharing).  I contacted the president of the society, introduced myself, and just asked for guidance.  I offered to include a section about RECYBER in my book. 

In short, I showed the person the benefits he’d receive by helping me out.  In return, I was given excellent guidance and advice in marketing, selling and the like.

Right after being burned by The Contractor From Hell (which you can read about in delightful detail at www.contractorhell.com), I decided to create my third book, Avoiding The Contractor From Hell.  It was a very cathartic experience, let me tell you!

I looked about on the Internet to see who was already established, and offered to cross market our related products.  I also asked if the person in question would consider writing a chapter that I myself wasn’t qualified, but he certainly was.  And it now appears in my book with full credit to him.

A win-win!  I get my book completed, he gets free publicity and marketing courtesy of my efforts.

Always remember the following.  Your mentor is helping you out when you’re just beginning.  When the opportunity arises to return the favor, do so!  Add his or her links in a prominent place on your business site.  Make sure to mention their products when you’re interviewed.  Give back what you yourself received.

But now an opportunity arises!  Tell me….given the hordes and hordes of peoples who want to make money online in any industry imaginable….how can you stand head and shoulders above the thundering herd?

A wonderful question!  Tune in tomorrow to find the answer.  🙂

Enjoy,

Barbara Ling

ps – speaking about knowing how to do things, have you seen: