So you want a mentor...
someone who can open doors, give you game-changing advice, and help you level up.
You fire off a DM or an email, hoping for a response.
But guess what?
You’re probably not gonna get one.
WHY?
Because everyone is sending the same boring, generic message. “Hey, can I pick your brain?” “Would love to learn from you!” Yawn.
Successful people don’t need another random person asking for their time. But they do pay attention to people who bring something to the table.
But FIRST
If you are new, welcome to OCE’s weekly newsletter curated for the ambitious youth…here are some articles you missed from previous weeks:
📈
Forget Goal-Setting, Here’s What Actually Works
Read More →
|
|
🎨
Best tools for building your passion project
Read More →
|
|
|
Step 1: Stop Chasing—Stack Skills First
You want to get ahead? Forget about shortcuts and secret sauce. Focus on getting really, really good at something. The best mentors don’t care about people who just “want success.” They care about people who put in the work, grind through the hard parts, and bring real value.
Tackle the tough stuff now so you’re not scrambling to catch up later in life.
Step 2: Give Before Expecting Anything
Mentorship isn’t a charity. The fastest way to get noticed? Solve a problem before they even know they have one.
Example: Let’s say you want to connect with an influential community leader. Instead of messaging, “Big fan of your work!” try this:
- “I analyzed the copywriting on your IG ad and here’s what works best.”
- “I mocked up three new versions based on A/B test.”
- “I even reached out to potential collaborators for your community, and they’re interested.”
Now you’ve got their attention.
Step 3: Get in the Right Rooms
If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Find ways to get around people who are playing at a higher level—go to events, join communities, and be where real conversations happen.
Step 4: Ask Smarter Questions
If you cold-message someone, don’t be vague. No one has time to answer, “How do I get into your industry?” Instead, be specific:
- “I noticed you took an unconventional path into your industry. What made you choose that route over the traditional one?"
- “You once said [specific insight]. How would you apply that to [my situation]?”
Even if only 1 in 10 people respond, you’re ahead of 99% of people. And here’s the kicker—FOLLOW UP. If they give advice, go apply it. Then update them: “Hey, I took your advice, did X, Y, and Z. It made a huge difference. Thanks again.” No ask. Just proof that you execute.
Step 5: Be Someone Worth Betting On
The best mentors won’t coddle you. They won’t waste time on someone who isn’t serious. They’ll push you, challenge you, and expect you to step up. If you want to be mentored, prove you’re worth their time.
At the end of the day, the most important belief is the one you have in yourself. But sometimes, it takes someone else seeing your potential first for you to realize it. Do the work. Make it impossible for the right people to ignore you.
Like what you read? Share with friends!
PS. This summer, we are going to tackle pressing global issues and drive innovation in regions (such as your own community) where it is needed the most. Want in?
We run a summer cohort for ambitious youth (high school and undergrads) to work directly with world-class founders while learning from Silicon Valley leaders.
You can also explore purposeful opportunities through our Impact Internship Opportunities Database.
Get Curious.
|
Lena
https://www.openclassroomexperience.com/
