Do you ever dream of sitting down for an evening with billionaire entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and Mark Zuckerberg? To hear their words of wisdom and be inspired by their success would be incredible, wouldn't it?
But here's the truth: as much as we may admire these successful individuals, they may not be the best mentors for us.
Why?
Because they have billionaire problems, and they approach things differently than those of us who are just starting out. They have solutions that may not work for us, as we are not on the same page.
Asking a billionaire for advice when you're just starting out in business is like asking a Formula One champion to teach you how to drive. They are so far ahead of you that they may not be able to fathom where you are, let alone offer you advice that is relevant and helpful.
So, who should you turn to for mentorship? Look for those who are a few years ahead of you in their journey.
For Example:
If you are a startup, your mentor should at least have a business that had achieved $1 million revenues, is profitable, and have at least hired 10 to 20 people in their business. We need to get a mentor who is three to five times the size of our business and someone who has ‘been there, done that’ – preferably in the same industry, or someone who is in business and can ask you high-value and thought-provoking questions. If your mentor runs a growing and large business, the mentor may not have much time to meet you regularly or his advice may not be immediately relevant.
The point is, you need someone who can relate to where you are, understand your struggles, and offer advice that is practical and actionable. Billionaires may be inspiring, but they are not necessarily the best mentors for you at this stage.
Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't learn from the best. Read their books, watch their keynotes, and listen to their interviews. If you get a chance to meet them, hang on their every word. But recognize that their advice may not be what you need right now.
So, seek out mentors who are a little further along the path, but still within reach. They can offer you advice that is relevant and practical, and help you take your next steps towards success. With the right mentors in your life, you can't fail.