Paradigm #6 - Choose a few mentors with whom you resonate (and model them)

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7 months ago

This article is part of the Paradigm Shifts series where I discuss the principles that should guide the creation of your online business.

Introduction

Let me state what might not be obvious. There are literally 100s of ways to make a legitimate living online. Nevertheless, the obstacles to online success are varied:

1) Technology overwhelm and information overload. This is simply a lack of focus.

2) Chasing hacks and secrets instead of developing real sales and marketing skills.

3) Focusing on one part of a larger digital marketing strategy. Our social media feeds are filled with these types of small picture solutions.

4) Not developing an expertise in a particular niche, process, idea, program or solution.

I have spoken about many of these issues in my other Paradigm Shift posts.

However, one way to avoid most of these problems is to choose a few successful mentors with whom you resonate and model them.

The Value of a Mentor

Mentors in the digital marketing space have already figured out a path to online success. They have a developed a roadmap to follow, and they are even willing to provide hands-on guidance to help you achieve those goals.

Of course, you can go the free blog or YouTube video route. This is where you spend countless hours absorbing conflicting advice, jumping from one program to another, and piecing together a Frankenstein digital marketing system.

Or you can model what a successful entrepreneur has already developed.

Of course, they don't provide this advice for free. However, many of my current and former virtual mentors are extremely generous in the content they provide AT LITTLE TO NO COST.

This gives you an opportunity to "test out" their systems and strategies.

Resonance Is Important

I mentioned having resonance with a mentor. This is key.

Resonance happens on a deeper level, more with a philosophy of marketing than any systems / programs these mentors have developed. It is the philosophy that a marketer brings to the table which determines everything.

What are their guiding values.

Excellence, people first, impact, service, empathy, are things that resonate with me. When these are present, I am more fulfilled as a marketer. In addition, I am more willing to put in the time and effort necessary to see a particular model succeed.

On the flip side, when there is no match, usually it's a lack of humility that turns me off. Sometimes these mentors are too brash, or they are too demanding or impatient when they teach. Sometimes, their materials or tactics bleed into the spammy.

There are many reasons, and they are personal.

This is another key. What I prefer may not be what you prefer. You may like a little more flair. Resonance is completely up to you.

Some Good Mentors

I have followed and learned from many mentors. My biggest influence has been Andre Chaperon. He is in a class by himself. I resonate deeply with his style of marketing.

Kyle, right here from Wealthy Affiliate, is another mentor. In fact, the whole WA approach is so very different from what you typically see in the online marketing space.

Two others among several I could mention are Gillian Perkins and Miles Beckler. They are showing how to succeed in a crowded digital space. They are both generous and authentic in their approaches to marketing and their training programs are top notch.

Conclusion

Good mentors shorten the learning curve. They have proven systems and a roadmap for you to follow. For me, the really good mentors combine a system that allows you to reach your online goals with an approach to marketing that is impactful and service oriented.

Here's to your success!

Gustavo

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P.S. Be sure to check out the other posts in this Paradigm Series.