Mini-Podcast: Questions stemming from Who You Surround Yourself with Matters

October 24, 2011 in Community, Questions, Video Blog with 6 Comments

On October 11th I put out this post: Who You Surround Yourself with Matters and received a good bit of feed back from it.

In the comment section of that post my friend, Curtis Hollembeak, left the following questions:

How did you find your advisers?

How do you communicate with them? Phone, in person, email, Skype?

How often do you communicate with them?

What is your relationship with them? Do you pay them? Barter with them?

Here’s my answers (this video is a little long at 9:33, hence the name mini-podcast, but I jump on answering these questions with both feet):

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In a nutshell, find people doing what you want to do or going in the same direction and ask if they’d be interested in helping you get there, where ever your there might be.

~Ivan

  • http://thebluejeansva.com Marta Goertzen

    Hi Ivan,

    Thank you! Great post today, really just what I needed to hear today.

    This has been on my mind for awhile now but just not sure which way to go but I am definitely in need of a group like the one you and Justin are a part of. I’m doing my research today of who I would like to be part of my advisory group and a few people come to mind now I need to work on that list and expand it and start reaching out like you did.

    Thanks for the kick in the pants!

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      Marta, THIS made my morning. I’m so glad this post is at the right time for you.

      My recommendation, make your list today and go a head and send the emails asking. You won’t know who’s willing and able to help until you ask.

      And remember, if someone says “no”, it just means you need to keep looking. When I first started this process months ago I asked several local folks. AND EVERYONE OF THEM SAID NO. That was EXTREMELY discouraging. But what I’ve since realized is that when you find people who are trying to get to he next level themselves, they’re more than willing to help you do the same. But if you find people that are done growing… they will never have the time or the heart.

      So get out there and ask!

      ~Ivan

  • Archie

    Ivan…. ROCKS!!! You mentioned some really cool and great guys. Hang with’em. Stay the course brother.

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      I agree. I’m surrounding myself with WONDERFUL folks. And I’m glad you and I get in touch, Archie. One more name to add to that list!

      ~Ivan

  • http://fundamusic.com CurtisH

    Ivan, thanks for the practical information and the encouraging spirit in which it was delivered. Since I am pretty much planning on doing what no one else is doing, I’m not sure exactly who I should be looking for. Coaches are everywhere, homeschool curriculum producers, not so much!

    Once again, you’ve given me much to ponder. I’ll begin scouring FAA, looking for victims…

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      Curtis, glad you got some value from the answers.

      Remember, people don’t have to be doing EXACTLY what you’re trying to do to be a useful adviser. They just have to be willing and able to help you reach your goals. Out of the more than 15 folks I’m now interacting with on a weekly basis I only know of two who are specifically coaching businesses. And even then, we all take different approaches to what we offer.

      So the key is finding 1) folks you get along with and care for, 2) are able and willing to help you.

      So go out there and find folks and make it happen!

      ~Ivan