Comments on: Finding a Mentor: It Never Hurts to Ask http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Tue, 21 May 2013 23:53:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Wesley http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84805 Wesley Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:08:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84805 The best career move I've ever made was finding a mentor. The way i did it was to find the "best" programmer at my current job...as it turned out, he was a contractor, so he wasn't in a position to help train anyone. I asked him where he learned how to do what he was doing, and eventually tracked down his mentor. I emailed the guy's company, got an interview shortly thereafter, and got a job working there. I agree with the "don't be stupid about this" suggestion. I only mentioned once or twice that I was there to learn from the guy, but I certainly did more listening/observing than talking. After about a year and half, the training started to pay off...and three years later (in hindsight), this was one of the best moves I could have made. Certainly a great tip for those starting out. My one regret was not taking this advice sooner. The best career move I’ve ever made was finding a mentor. The way i did it was to find the “best” programmer at my current job…as it turned out, he was a contractor, so he wasn’t in a position to help train anyone. I asked him where he learned how to do what he was doing, and eventually tracked down his mentor. I emailed the guy’s company, got an interview shortly thereafter, and got a job working there.

I agree with the “don’t be stupid about this” suggestion. I only mentioned once or twice that I was there to learn from the guy, but I certainly did more listening/observing than talking. After about a year and half, the training started to pay off…and three years later (in hindsight), this was one of the best moves I could have made.

Certainly a great tip for those starting out. My one regret was not taking this advice sooner.

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]]> By: » Weekly Blog Roundup, Warm Weather Edition on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84455 » Weekly Blog Roundup, Warm Weather Edition on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog Sun, 22 Apr 2007 13:12:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84455 [...] Get Rich Slowly has a basic tip for finding a mentor: It never hurts to ask. [...]

[...] Get Rich Slowly has a basic tip for finding a mentor: It never hurts to ask. [...]

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]]> By: zen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84284 zen Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:33:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84284 I'm currently on a quest for a mentor - it's kind of difficult as I'm in the IT/Internet industry and the position I'm trying to segue into isn't exactly parallel. My former boss 'thought' I should focus on IT/marketing and not finance, based on his personal opinions of *his* thoughts on finance, which lead me to a dead end. Now I'm looking for finance professionals to mentor under, but it seems all my contacts are marketing/communications people with no contacts on the financial side! I’m currently on a quest for a mentor – it’s kind of difficult as I’m in the IT/Internet industry and the position I’m trying to segue into isn’t exactly parallel.

My former boss ‘thought’ I should focus on IT/marketing and not finance, based on his personal opinions of *his* thoughts on finance, which lead me to a dead end.

Now I’m looking for finance professionals to mentor under, but it seems all my contacts are marketing/communications people with no contacts on the financial side!

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]]> By: Andrea >> Become a Consultant http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84257 Andrea >> Become a Consultant Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:25:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84257 Kick_push, could you move closer to work? Or get a job closer to home? I work from home and my husband walks four blocks to his job. It's the greatest situation. Kick_push, could you move closer to work? Or get a job closer to home? I work from home and my husband walks four blocks to his job. It’s the greatest situation.

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]]> By: Andrea >> Become a Consultant http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84253 Andrea >> Become a Consultant Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:02:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84253 My marketing website led to so many requests for mentoring that I started my ConsultantJournal.com site as a way to give back in a more efficient way. My marketing website led to so many requests for mentoring that I started my ConsultantJournal.com site as a way to give back in a more efficient way.

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]]> By: ZedFable http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84244 ZedFable Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:41:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84244 J.D., I'd personally love it if you had Robert Kiyosaki do some guest material here. Though I've always been interested in Business and financial literacy, my first real books I read on the topic were by Robert Kiyosaki. An investor friend of mine did a discussion group using his books and "The millionaire mind". We were aware of the controversy around him and read the Reed page (as well as a rebuttal). Personally I think most of his advice is good and whether Rich dad was a real person or a literary device really doesn't matter to me. Dylan, exactly what "easy shortcuts" are you referring to? I have not read all of his books, but I don't recall him ever mentioning any get rich quick schemes. J.D., I’d personally love it if you had Robert Kiyosaki do some guest material here.

Though I’ve always been interested in Business and financial literacy, my first real books I read on the topic were by Robert Kiyosaki. An investor friend of mine did a discussion group using his books and “The millionaire mind”. We were aware of the controversy around him and read the Reed page (as well as a rebuttal).

Personally I think most of his advice is good and whether Rich dad was a real person or a literary device really doesn’t matter to me.

Dylan, exactly what “easy shortcuts” are you referring to? I have not read all of his books, but I don’t recall him ever mentioning any get rich quick schemes.

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]]> By: Woodrow "asim" Jarvis Hill http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84232 Woodrow "asim" Jarvis Hill Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:34:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84232 I've talked w/Guy on a project I'm (slowly!) working on to explore his works for a Belly Dance audience. He's very gracious, and considering the many demands upon his time, really took the time to write something clever and focused on me as a person. HIGHLY recommended. :) I’ve talked w/Guy on a project I’m (slowly!) working on to explore his works for a Belly Dance audience. He’s very gracious, and considering the many demands upon his time, really took the time to write something clever and focused on me as a person.

HIGHLY recommended. :)

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]]> By: kick_push http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84228 kick_push Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:33:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84228 "use money to buy time" this is something i think about 24/7.. i've sacrificed a lot of my time and personal relationships in order to reach my own financial goals.. but i feel like it's hurt the ones i love because of the lack of time i have to spend with them.. i've worked hard for 7 years and i'm not sure what i have to show for it.. i am now 29 and i realize i can never get those younger years back now that i'm sort of settled at my job.. i'm starting to second guess my decisions.. most of my time is wasted in the commute.. i sit at a desk for 8 hours.. then i'm on the road for another 2 hours.. by the time i get home my energy is drained.. and i have no time to spend with my loved ones i've had the same career for 7 years.. and i just wonder if there is an easier way to make a living.. i know i have to do what i have to do.. but i want more freedom.. what's going to happen when i'm married? will i have time for my wife? and for my kids? “use money to buy time”

this is something i think about 24/7.. i’ve sacrificed a lot of my time and personal relationships in order to reach my own financial goals.. but i feel like it’s hurt the ones i love because of the lack of time i have to spend with them.. i’ve worked hard for 7 years and i’m not sure what i have to show for it.. i am now 29 and i realize i can never get those younger years back

now that i’m sort of settled at my job.. i’m starting to second guess my decisions.. most of my time is wasted in the commute.. i sit at a desk for 8 hours.. then i’m on the road for another 2 hours.. by the time i get home my energy is drained.. and i have no time to spend with my loved ones

i’ve had the same career for 7 years.. and i just wonder if there is an easier way to make a living.. i know i have to do what i have to do.. but i want more freedom.. what’s going to happen when i’m married? will i have time for my wife? and for my kids?

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]]> By: Nathan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84219 Nathan Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:41:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84219 I would also second that finding a mentor is great advice to people at all levels of their career. I also think people should feel comfortable to let the person giving advice know what your ambitions are. I think a lot of people seeking advice or looking for a mentor hold back, perhaps because their ambitions are not exactly like the mentors, but close. It's a very natural transition and you can often get extremely helpful and tailored advice when you follow some format like 1) "I like the way you do ________." 2) "I would ideally like to do _________. 3) Ask a leading question that shows how your goal and the mentors success are related. Also, FOLLOW UP! If someone gives you great advice and you benefit greatly (or maybe not so greatly, but even a little) from it don't leave the mentor hanging. Follow up, let them know what happened, and they will not only appreciate it greatly, but this is how long lasting and worthwhile contacts are made. I would also second that finding a mentor is great advice to people at all levels of their career. I also think people should feel comfortable to let the person giving advice know what your ambitions are. I think a lot of people seeking advice or looking for a mentor hold back, perhaps because their ambitions are not exactly like the mentors, but close. It’s a very natural transition and you can often get extremely helpful and tailored advice when you follow some format like

1) “I like the way you do ________.”
2) “I would ideally like to do _________.
3) Ask a leading question that shows how your goal and the mentors success are related.

Also, FOLLOW UP! If someone gives you great advice and you benefit greatly (or maybe not so greatly, but even a little) from it don’t leave the mentor hanging. Follow up, let them know what happened, and they will not only appreciate it greatly, but this is how long lasting and worthwhile contacts are made.

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]]> By: J.R. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84203 J.R. Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:53:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84203 I third the "stay away from the slimeball that is Robert Kiyosaki". I read r.d.p.d. and got caught up in the sensationalism of it all. And then I started looking for ways to make it into a reality. Turns out most things are not as he says. Check out this site for the deconstructing of Kiyosaki's book: http://www.johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html It's long, and it's obvious mr. reed doesn't care for Kiyosaki... but I think Reed is correct in most of his analysis. Kiyosaki is a liar and a con, with no interest in educating you, and every interest in getting your dollar. I third the “stay away from the slimeball that is Robert Kiyosaki”. I read r.d.p.d. and got caught up in the sensationalism of it all. And then I started looking for ways to make it into a reality. Turns out most things are not as he says. Check out this site for the deconstructing of Kiyosaki’s book:
http://www.johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html

It’s long, and it’s obvious mr. reed doesn’t care for Kiyosaki… but I think Reed is correct in most of his analysis. Kiyosaki is a liar and a con, with no interest in educating you, and every interest in getting your dollar.

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]]> By: Canadian Dream http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84198 Canadian Dream Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:08:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84198 Actually I've contacted a few authors with questions about their books. For the most part they are very nice and willing to help out. The key is to give them something in return. A book review is typically a nice way to break the ice. CD Actually I’ve contacted a few authors with questions about their books. For the most part they are very nice and willing to help out. The key is to give them something in return. A book review is typically a nice way to break the ice.

CD

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]]> By: Dylan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84197 Dylan Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:05:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84197 I second DC Economist’s concerns about Robert Kiyosaki. I’ve always thought of him as being counter to the Get Rich Slowly idea, and I put him in the same category with people like Russ Whitney. I honestly believe the man does more harm than good. Much of what he says is easy for people to believe but unrealistic in practice. My suspicions are that he made all of his money by promoting the myth that there is an easy shortcut to getting “rich.” I second DC Economist’s concerns about Robert Kiyosaki. I’ve always thought of him as being counter to the Get Rich Slowly idea, and I put him in the same category with people like Russ Whitney. I honestly believe the man does more harm than good. Much of what he says is easy for people to believe but unrealistic in practice. My suspicions are that he made all of his money by promoting the myth that there is an easy shortcut to getting “rich.”

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]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84193 J.D. Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:54:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84193 Oh, I'm well aware of Kiyosaki's weak points, but I still think there's a lot I could learn from him! Oh, I’m well aware of Kiyosaki’s weak points, but I still think there’s a lot I could learn from him!

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]]> By: DC Economist http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/comment-page-1/#comment-84191 DC Economist Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:37:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/19/finding-mentors-it-never-hurts-to-ask/#comment-84191 JD, Those mentors are fine, except for Robert Kiyosaki. It's very likely that he largely invented Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He bashes mutual funds, which is horrible financial advice. And its readily apparent via public records that he made his money off of his books and appearances and not off real estate. Critique of Rich Dad, Poor Dad: http://johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html Criticism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kiyosaki#Criticism_and_controversy JD,

Those mentors are fine, except for Robert Kiyosaki. It’s very likely that he largely invented Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He bashes mutual funds, which is horrible financial advice. And its readily apparent via public records that he made his money off of his books and appearances and not off real estate.

Critique of Rich Dad, Poor Dad:
http://johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html
Criticism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kiyosaki#Criticism_and_controversy

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