Contacting a Mentor

This is brilliant advice from Tim Ferriss' book The 4 Hour Workweek. I shared this with my close friend, whom I knew to be interested in many prominent politician and veteran hockey stars. This technique helped him reach some of those personal idols of his, and so I want to share it with the rest of you.

Now again. It is not mine, though I admit I wish I HAD conceived it. I discovered it in Timothy Ferriss' book, and now share it with you. I hope that it will help you reach those individuals that

Best calling before 8:30 or after 6 to reduce run-ins with secretaries

Have a single question in mind, one that you have researched, but have been unable to answer yourself.

Aim for the top dogs.

Use www.contactanycelebrity.com if need be

Unknown answerer: This is the office of Mentor X

You: Hi, this is _________ calling for Tim Ferriss, please[1]

Answerer: May I ask what this is regarding?

You: Sure. I know this might sound a bit odd,[2] but I’m a first-time author and just read his interview in NY Times.[3] I’m a longtime[4] fan and have finally built up the courage to[5] call him for one specific piece of advice. It wouldn’t take more than two minutes of his time. Is there any way you can help me get through to him?[6] I really, really appreciate whatever you can do.

Answerer: Hmmm… Just a second. Let me see if he’s available. [minutes later] Here you go. Good luck. [ring to another line]

Mentor: Mentor here.

You: Hi, Mr. Mentor. My name is Yusuf Faqiri. I know this might sound a bit odd, but I’m a first-time author and a longtime fan. I just read your interview in the NY Times and finally built up the courage to call. I have wanted to ask you for a specific piece of advice for a long time, and it shouldn’t take more than two minutes of your time. May I?[7]

Mentor: Uh…OK. Go ahead. I have to be in a call in a few minutes.

You: [at the end of the call] Thank you so much for being so generous with your time. I if I have the occasional tough question – very occasional – is there any chance I could keep in touch via email?[8]

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[1] Said casually and with confidence, this alone will get you through. Asking for “mr/mrs” is a dead giveaway that you don’t know them. You can increase your chances of getting through, but run the risk of looking foolish if you ask for them by first name alone.

[2] Softens up and makes person curious and less likely to spit out “no”

[3] This answers who and why you’re calling. “First time” triggers sympathy, and find a recent media article as a trigger for calling

[4] if you can’t call yourself a longtime fan, say that you have followed their career or business exploits for a certain number of years

[5] when they think you’re nervous, they lower their guard. Often do this even when not nervous.

[6] Wording is critical. You’re asking them to help you do something

[7] Get to the point and pull the trigger

[8] end conversation by opening the door for future contact. Start with an email and let your relationship develop.

Please check out the www.fourhourworkweek.com for more great tools that will get you closer to your dreams!