Mentee

I have a friend who has been an entrepreneur for a very long time. I like to think of him as a mentor and a friend. What have I learned from my experience as his mentee? What not to do. If we talk about an idea I have and he expresses any hint of excitement or interest, I know my idea is dead in the water.

Most people think of mentors as people we want to imitate personally or professionally. I think that we need to have both mentors we emulate and mentors whose choices we want to avoid. They make life even more interesting!

Mentors in my life that have helped me to greater heights:

• My accountant/CFO – He continues to guide me personally and professionally to avoid the pitfalls he has witnessed in other entrepreneurs.
• My best friend – She is a successful business owner in another field. We meet once a week to discuss business – One time we totalled up how much money we have made or saved because of our relationship. Priceless. Literally.
• My coach – Gordo continues to guide my development as an athlete and a coach.
• My pastry chef – Okay, he was a doctor in another life and continues to help me in the pursuit of my goals in the context of my body.

Every time I choose a new big race (this year it is Ironman Louisville) I look for new mentors. I interview three people in my geography about the race. My questions include:

• What are two or three things that you did well?
• What is the one thing you would change about your preparation or execution for the race?
• What do you think are the key parts of this race?
• Is there anything unique about this race?

Usually one question leads to lots of information. I take notes or tape the interviews. As I have gotten to know new athletes in our sport, I plan on doing the same thing by Skype with other athletes. I find people in our sport to be amazingly open to sharing the ingredients of their success.

The number one mistake we make when having a mentor is the mentee talks too much! You are not looking for a friend, you are looking for someone to teach you the ingredients of success. Be quiet, be present and find the lessons.