Mentors: The ultimate hack

Beyond heart and hustle, there’s only one way to the top: Smarts. Yep, the mental-side of the grind — the game within the game — is what separates the great from the good. One of the most effective ways to up your stardom IQ? Get a mentor. Heck, get more than one.

There are whole generations of athletes and entertainers that came before you. Seasoned pros with countless lessons learned and a ton of wisdom to share. They’ve walked the path you're on now. They’ve hustled through the same grind, crushed the same doubts, and popped champagne over the same victories. They know the fame game inside out, including all the backstage moves and unwritten rules that can make or break a career.

Don’t sleep on all this wisdom. Find a mentor. Listen up. And prepare to accelerate your journey from rookie to legend.

Unlike coaches or agents who are all about your stats and contracts, mentors are a whole different kind of resource. A mentor is a confidant, a sounding-board, and a source of inspiration — a trusted advisor who has no skin in the game except to help you navigate the complexities of fame and success in ways that only someone who has been there can. They’re the person you can turn to with all those rookie questions, and they’ll help you learn from their own missteps too. Bottom line: They’ve got your back, pushing you not just to crush your career goals but also to help you thrive personally in the hectic world of sports or entertainment.

Tap your network

• On a team? Scope out the veterans.
• On Set? Grab a cup of coffee with one of the seasoned pros.
• On tour? Start up a conversation with someone in-the-know at a show or festival.
• Have an agent? See if they’ll hook you up with a more seasoned client.

Often, starting your search within your own network is the best (and easiest) option for finding a mentor. These pros get where you’re at and can give you the inside scoop on how to carry your career forward the right way.

Check out professional associations & industry events

Joining clubs, associations, and other groups can be another goldmine for connecting with your future mentors. If you're an athlete, hit up your player associations and collectives. Entertainers? Check out industry guilds. And don’t sleep on major industry events. These days, there are tons of conferences, workshops, and panels geared toward athletes, entertainers, and influencers. These spots are perfect for connecting with potential mentors who can help you level up. 

Social media

Probably goes without saying, but…tap into the power of social media. Sliding (respectfully) into the DMs of industry vets or dropping a comment on their posts can be a great way to get a conversation started. A lot of pros are way more approachable than you’d think. Follow industry hashtags, join relevant groups, and stay active in discussions. Just remember to be real, show your passion, and respect boundaries.

Now, not every veteran player or stage legend will be mentor material. So you have to know what to look for and do your homework.

A mentor walks the talk

First off, a mentor needs to have a proven track record in your field. If you're a young rapper, find someone who's been rocking the mic for years. They don’t need to be one of the GOATs, but they do need to know firsthand what it takes to succeed.

Next up, vibe check

Your mentor should be someone who shares (or at least is going to understand) your goals and values. If you're all about positive vibes and community work, find someone who's on the same wavelength.

Availability is key

Lastly, a good mentor has to be available to help and down to roll up their sleeves. No use in having a mentor who's going to be MIA right when you need them most. That said, everyone’s busy, so don’t expect a mentor to be on your beck and call. But you do want to make sure you find someone who’s excited to chat semi-regularly and hustle with you long-term.

Asking someone to be your mentor doesn’t have to feel like asking that crush who doesn’t know you exist to prom. In fact, it’s often best when it happens organically, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared goals. Start by geeking out over their wisdom and stories. Get deep in those convos, throw out some killer questions, and give them props for all their epic career moves. Once you’ve got that vibe going, talk about your own goals and how their guidance could be invaluable to your journey.

Remember, there’s no reason to be nervous. Most people like helping other people. And if the connection isn’t quite right, well, there’s plenty of fish in the sea. So whether you're shooting texts or grabbing coffee, keep it genuine, and let the mentorship conversation flow naturally.

Good communication is the backbone of any strong relationship, and mentorship is no different. Here are six tips to keep the dialogue open and productive:

1. Be open and honest: No smoke and mirrors. Period. Your mentor needs the real deal to give you legit advice. So lay it all out — struggles, wins, and everything in between.
2. Listen up & ask thoughtful questions: Don’t just nod along. Listen closely to what your mentor has to say, and show you’re here to soak up their know-how like a sponge.
3. Remember who you’re talking to: A mentorship isn’t quite the same as a friendship. Because at the end of the day, it’s about your career. So keep it professional and respectful. Always. And respect boundaries.
4. Be the CEO of your growth: Be proactive. Don’t wait for your mentor to hold your hand through everything. By taking initiative, you show you’re ready to hustle.
5. Crave feedback: Feedback isn’t criticism; it’s your opportunity to level up. Seek it out. Embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s all fuel for your rise.
6. Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude: Just met yesterday? Shoot over a quick note of thanks the next day. A heartfelt thank you is more than manners; it’s respect for your mentor’s time and commitment to your success.

For rising stars, having a mentor isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential. From gaining insider knowledge and avoiding common pitfalls to accelerating your personal and professional development, the right mentor can be a game-changer. So, don’t be afraid to seek out experienced players and trusted professionals who can guide you on your journey. Remember, finding the right mentor is all about compatibility, expertise, and willingness to invest time in your growth. Whether you’re looking for career advice, skill development, or personal growth, a good mentor is always up for some real talk. And in the sports and entertainment industry, that’s how you turn your dreams into reality.

CRC# 3815588 08/2024