(I originally published this article in the Galion Inquirer on Dec. 3, 2011)

Last week I travelled three hours to meet with a very successful businessman whom I’d never met.  His business is publishing print-versions of how-to guides.  Just one of his books has sold over 1.6 million copies…at $12.95 per copy.  Do the math.  This guy knows what he’s doing.

The week before, as I was researching some new directions for my own business, someone mentioned this gentleman’s name and success.  I decided to call him.  He’s never heard of me…has no idea who I am. 

I called and introduced myself. I told him I might be in his area within the next week or two, and asked if he’d be willing to give me some feedback on some new business ideas I had that were similar to what he was doing with his business.  To my complete shock, he was very willing to meet with me, and he offered to spend as much time with me as I needed. (Thank you, Pete!)

I spent several hours talking to him about my ideas, and asking about his methods for success.  When I left, I had pages of notes and more ideas and advice running through my head than I could have imagined. I was very grateful for his time and assistance, and felt lucky that he was willing to share his knowledge and experience with me.

So, why am I telling you this?

Because there’s a few lessons (ie: Doink Moments) that you can take away from it:

• Have the confidence to make that phone call if you identify someone that can help you.  Don’t be afraid to ask for advice! At best, you’ll get some incredibly good insight that might put your business on the right track.  At worst, they say “no” and you’re no worse off than if you never called.  You have absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
• Be willing to help others when you can. On the flip-side of making that phone call to ask for help, what happens when you receive that phone call or email asking for your advice? If it doesn’t cost you anything but your time, why not help them?  Karma comes around.  If you help someone, they will remember it.  They’ll come back to help you with referrals or whatever they can when the time is right.
• You can’t get better advice or instruction than from someone who is already wildly successful at what they are doing.  They’ve been there, done that, and they already know what works and what doesn’t. Don’t waste your money on some so-called internet guru’s make a million dollars overnight course.  Don’t follow the latest buzz words….social media, SEO, etc. all have their place, but they’ve been incredibly over-hyped. Don’t follow the parade…lead it.
• Pay it forward. If you’ve been to any of my seminars or reading my blog for very long, you already know that I’m a strong believer in helping people.  When I help someone, I always challenge them to pay it forward.  If every single one of us helps someone just a little bit, just imagine how much better this world could be.  The sum of the help is so much greater than it’s parts.

Do you have a mentor? Do you mentor anyone? How do you try to help…to give something back?

Thank you.  Be well.