No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.  ~Alfred North Whitehead

You are the result of a lot of people influencing your life for better or worse. We can all look back on our lives and remember the people who made a difference in our lives. Maybe it was a parent, an aunt or an uncle, a grandparent, a teacher, a coach, a friend, a pastor, or a business man or woman. Perhaps it was a book we read, a sermon we listened to, or a talk at a conference we went to.

My question to you is: Do the people who have made a difference in your life know that they made a difference in your life?

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I’ve always loved getting mentored. There are few things I enjoy more than surrounding myself with great people that can pour into my life. A few years ago, my friend Zack Blair, put it this way, “Get around people that scare you.” I’ve endeavored to do that ever since.

Then I watched this video by Tom Peters on never wasting a lunch. It intrigued me! I recognized, I need to meet with as many brilliant people as I can. I need to learn how they got to where they are, and find out how I can implement what they implemented in their lives to become successful.

When I ask these men out to lunch or coffee and I’m finally in front of them, inside, I feel what I would imagine I would feel like sitting across a table from Donald Trump. I’m a nervous wreck! I start thinking, “Why is this person willing to meet with me? What do I have to offer? I’m going to look like an idiot….”

What I have found is that successful people are actually thrilled that someone would seek out their wisdom! They love to be able to share it with others. In fact, if you ask them how many people have sought out their advice, 9 out of 10 will tell you, no one.

Even though I have fear going into the meeting, after I meet with them, I feel like I can conquer the universe!

I would highly recommend contacting people who are so successful they scare you and asking them out to lunch. Here are some things I do to prepare before I meet with someone:

• I always prepare a list of questions ahead of time and send them to them

• I always pay (or at least try to) for lunch.
  

• I always send a thank you note that includes what I learned from the meeting.
  

• If I eventually do something they’ve told me to do and it helps me, I’ll send them another one telling them about my success.

Getting around people that scare you could be one of the most beneficial things you ever do. I know it has been for me. So…

Who intimidates you because of their success? I dare you to call them now and ask them out!

Here are some questions I’ve been asking:

• What are the habits you have developed that contribute most to where you are today?

• How do you think/act differently now compared to when you first began your career?

• What had to change in you (or your routines) in order to get to where you are?

• Do you have a specific, consistent routine for your days? If so, what is it?

• How do you plan and evaluate your days/weeks/months/year so they are used most effectively?

• If I were a new employee working for you, what would you tell me that I need to do in order to be successful?

• What advice do you have when it comes to networking with business men?

• I’m naturally co-dependent and a people pleaser. How do you balance candor and care when you’re dealing with people in the business world?

• If I were your son, what advice would you give me about handling my finances? What can I do at my age to ensure financial independence long term?

• Do you invest? If so, what in? With who? Etc.?

• What investing advice would you give me?

• How do you and your wife deal with finances together?
  

• What advice do you have when looking for and buying a first home?

2011 is here. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’m going to use my time. Specifically in the area of mentoring. There are two major areas I’d like to get mentored in this year: Sales and Marketing. I’ve been privileged to spend a lot of time getting mentored by pastors and church leaders, now I want to spend some time getting mentored by people in the business world. (If you are working in either of those fields, I’d love to take you out!)

How do I plan on doing this? Watch this video from Tom Peters:

To be honest, I’m more of a breakfast guy, but hey, whatever will allow me to spend some quality time with leaders in the fields of Sales and Marketing.

How will you spend your meals this year? I’d make sure at least one meal a day is with someone who can add value to you in an area of your life! If not once a day, once a week, or once a month. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re taking out people who will stretch you. Take out people who make you feel uncomfortable!

How much different could you be at the end of this year if you’ll take this principle seriously? I’m convinced we could all be at a level we never thought possible!

So, who do you have in mind that you’d love to take to breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Why not call them and set-up an appointment right now?