One of the ways to jumpstart your success is to be very mindful of the company that you allow to influence your thoughts. And for the most of us, our thoughts have been conditioned to behave and act in certain patterns since birth.

So, if you naturally think for the worst, fear the worst and hang around with negative people, then you have a mountain to climb, but the good news is it is all changeable.

Our brains are only designed to know a certain amount of people. This means we are influenced by those closest around us, and as a result it is important to be intentional about who we surround ourselves with because we subconsciously think and behave like the 5 closest people that are around us on a daily basis.

It is very vital that everybody positions themselves for success by finding a mentor that has been there and done that in the industry that they are in. Most people don’t have a mentor because they either don’t know who to find as their mentor or they don’t know how to approach one.

Here are 5 ways to show you who to find as your mentor and how to approach that person to ask them to be your mentor:

Step 1: Realize who the mentor is

A mentor is a person who is at least 10 years ahead of where you are and represents where you want to be in your wildest dreams. Somebody you admire, respect and trust but also would get along with.

A mentor is somebody who has gone down the road that you want to go down and can look back and advise you on avoiding certain pitfalls. Mentorship relationships are things that takes time to develop, and because of this it should stay in place for many years.

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, then you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” – Bob Proctor

Step 2: Understand why you need a mentor

Here is a list of reasons why you need a mentor:

• Guidance and direction
• To take you to the next level
• To help realize your goals and dreams
• Knowledge and expertise
• Experience and advice
• Support and network
• Prevent you from years of failure
• Keep you on the right track
• To hold you accountable

Knowing why you need a mentor in the first place is a very important step to understand.

Step 3: Know the places you should go to find a mentor

Here are a few places where you can find your mentor:

• Website/Online/Internet (google their name)
• Industry events like seminars, talks and conferences
• Chamber of commerce
• Social media sites (facebook, twitter, linkedIn)
• Local Business Seminars

Mentors can be found everywhere. Knowing the kind of mentor you need will help you track down where to find them.

Step 4: Follow this criteria when looking for a mentor

Not just anyone can be your mentor. You really have to see if both of you have the synergy as a mentor and a mentee. You guys won’t be talking about business 24/7, so you guys should have things in common that both of you like. For example: both of you like to play basketball or soccer and that is another way you guys can connect.

Both should have a vast range of knowledge in the business you are in. Plus the position they are in, is the one you dream to be in on a daily basis. Most highly successful people value their time the most, so what they do is they have filters that filter out the people who aren’t really serious about doing what is necessary to achieve the success they desire. You have to show them that you really want it and you are willing to hustle for it.

Before approaching your mentor to ask him/her to be your mentor, you will need to consume all of their existing material (YouTube Videos, Blog Posts, Seminar Events, Books etc.) because if you haven’t even gone through their material, they know you aren’t willing to do what it takes.

Not only that, you should message them and update them on your progress in the online business and whatever you are working on to show them you are consistent and not just looking for a quick buck.

“You don’t ask a guy to be your boyfriend on the first date – the same goes for asking someone to be your mentor.” – Angie Chang

Step 5: Ask them to be your mentor

After you have consumed weeks of their videos, courses, blog posts, attended seminars etc. Then you could write to them. You do this through Facebook, Twitter, Website, wherever you can find a way.

Here’s a script you could use to ask an authority figure to be your mentor. In our case we will use our millionaire mentor Dan “The Man” Lok as an example. Only use this script after you have established a relationship with your mentor and you have done all the steps above.

Hello Dan, My name is (fill in the blank). I admire what you do as an internet marketer and what you have achieved already in your life. I have followed your work for months and I’ve finally plucked up the courage to write this email. I am a struggling entrepreneur and I feel I could do with your help as my mentor. I am willing to do what it takes to succeed and I just need a break. Please permit me to invite you for lunch. I know you value your time. I would appreciate if I could get 30mins with you to see if we make a connection and you take me on as your mentee. My Skype ID is: (fill in the blank). My Cell is: (fill in the blank). Thank you very much for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely…

Tip: After he/she agrees to meet you for lunch, you get the bill! Remember, that lunch was probably life changing and worth thousands to you!

How will finding a millionaire mentor change your life? Leave your thoughts and answers in the comment section below!