MENTORS = SECRET SAUCE TO SUCCESS

When the up and comers start excelling, it’s usually because they applied the adage: work harder than everyone else and pick yourself up when you fail. What is left out of this formula is to seek the advice of those you admire in order to accelerate your growth and development. This is especially true when overcoming obstacles and failures.

MEET WITH A MENTOR

I had the opportunity to chat with someone I look up to this Tuesday morning, Mr. Michael Hernandez. {Follow him on Twitter @hernandezMA5} Mike is a hired gun for the local Democratic Party, also advising political campaigns throughout Latin American and Caribbean.  I was stoked to meet him for coffee and pick his brain about my prospects and ask him for advice on a multitude of issues. He helped me gain a different perspective, assured me that I was on the right track and shared his experiences… So grateful for his feedback!

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A MENTOR?

See, I sought Mike out because I knew he would give me an unbiased opinion; he’s been in my shoes and I knew I had plenty to learn from him. It’s so important to seek out mentors who will help answer your questions and unlock those “AH-HA!” moments, to attain higher levels of understanding.

HOW TO SEEK OUT MENTORS

Who do you already know in your network who is successful? Those should be your role models. Invite them for coffee. Get them to tell you their story, their war stories of their successes AND failures.

“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.”-Og Mandino

The best advice I can offer to those seeking out mentors is to remain humble and never miss the opportunity to ask questions. Opportunities, by nature, are fleeting. Seize every chance, every opening, and every possibility. This is your greatest challenge as a mentee.

BECOME A MENTOR

Do you do something really well? You should make yourself available to those who seek you out and ask about your work. Be authentic and lend a sympathetic ear to their challenges and offer up words that you would have wanted someone to share with you in that moment. Be kind but always honest.

As we grow and develop ourselves, brands and businesses, it is crucial to our survival to be mentors to the next wave of players, lest we lose out to others more willing to teach.

MENTORSHIP RESOURCES

-Known nationally as “Counselors to America’s Small Businesses”, SCORE has a branch in Miami, which matches entrepreneurs and small business owners with FREE business advice.

-Make a difference in the life of a child! Become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Find out how here.

QUESTION TO MY READERS: What has been the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor?