Seeking a Mentor

Part of one’s journey to succeed at something is seeking out someone who achieved what you are working to accomplish. Asking them to share their experience, both positive and negative, can give you a sense of direction of what your next steps might be.

When looking for a mentor, find someone who will set your expectations for the journey you are about to experience. A good mentor will let you know the pitfalls you will encounter because they went through the process themselves. They can also provide guidance and be an example on how to deal with resistance or negative input you may get from family and friends. Not everyone can see your vision at first. Do not let that deter you, perseverance is key.

If you are looking to purchase a business, that does not mean you should go directly to a business broker. The best option is to speak with someone that operates their business on a daily basis. Find someone who knows the daily challenges in operating a business and how to make the business profitable. Once you understand what you need to do, then you can call the broker to help you acquire the business you are interested in.

If you believe something is worth pursuing, expect challenges every step of the way.

My personal belief is that God puts these roadblocks in your way to keep you humble and to see how you respond to the obstacles put in front of you. In the past, I would get angry and think why does something bad happen when things are going so well. Now, I get excited when those roadblocks happen because I know that I am on the right track for success.

This attitude is not easy to maintain but the more I teach and mentor others about what to expect in their personal journey, it is a reminder to myself to stay humble.

With each new challenge there is the opportunity to learn from it and grow from that experience.

Over the past 35 years, I provided guidance to many people starting a business, growing their business, preparing to hand that business over to family members or selling the business outright. I advised hundreds of people on how to prepare for retirement as well as succeed in retirement and maintain their lifestyle. The journey continues when we prepare their wills or set up a trust and take advantage of the tax law to shelter their estates and preserve their legacy for their family.