All I needed to know about life, I learned in the gym: Mentors
As we close out 2018 and I think back on all the questions I’ve been asked. The one that I haven’t been able to get a handle on is, “Will you be my mentor?”, business, training or both.
When I would find someone that I’d want to train with, I would first figure out what gym they trained at, what time they trained and I would show up and train--but never say anything. If small talk happened, great. If they would ask for a spot, even better. Those things were not within my control; my effort, consistently and how serious I took training was ALL my control. This was easy for me because it was me.
In time, we would be training together and I would always learn a ton. I had knowledge to offer but just let my training and effort speak for me.
It seems we live in a time where people are encouraged to just ask, because the worst thing that could happen is that someone says “no.” And I get that. Keep in mind, however, that when you’re asking for somebody’s time, knowledge and experience, it should be done with care and respect. The time you are asking for could very well be time away from their family and friends. Are you displaying that you are worthy of the time a parent will not be mentoring and raising their child? A person away from their spouse? _
As an entrepreneur (gym owner, etc.), are you a person that approaches mentors in a similar way? Would you look at who you’ve purchased from and have history with, a relationship, before you reach out and seek a couple hours a week or an weekend for them to mentor you? Or, would you approach a organization that you’ve never bought a single item from and just ask because your business needs a boost?
This really is no different than when you seek a training partner—create a history, show-up, don’t expect anything up front, and build a relationship first. I always wonder the answer gym owners get from others they seek out for mentoring—companies they have created history with and have a customer relationship with? For me, it’s extremely hard to say “no” to someone that has outfitted their gym with our equipment.
I guess you can always buy one online.
This is NOT about helping someone out who really needs it, answering questions or giving back. This is about how to build a relationship with someone who will be there to be a real mentor - not this fake crap we see now a days.