7 Things to Look For When Choosing a Virtual Mentor

Rich Wilkerson is one of my spiritual mentors. Although Rich is a friend and I have the utmost respect for him, he and I rarely see each other or speak. He is a spiritual mentor, however, because Rich speaks into my spiritual life every day. Each morning, I receive an email from Rich that includes a small devotional called a SOAP. His SOAP takes no more than 90 seconds to read; it takes 90 seconds in the morning to gain a fresh perspective. These types of mentoring relationships are incredibly important. The key to getting the most out of these relationships is to choose them wisely and have reasonable expectations. Keep in mind that this type of mentor is not meant to influence every aspect of your life; this mentor will have a defined area of influence. Here are a few things I look for when choosing a virtual mentor.

1. Choose someone you respect.

   I don’t want to spend time listening to someone I don’t respect. Choose someone that you are familiar with. Be sure to do your research before making a decision.

2. Consistent content.

   Consistency is vitally important in every aspect of life, and that is especially true in a mentor. Look for someone who will deliver content to you on a daily or weekly basis.

3. Delivered directly.

   Rich Wilkerson’s devotional is sent directly to my inbox. Look for someone who has a subscription or membership program.

4. Free. 

   There are quite a few blogs and websites for which I pay for a membership; sometimes personal growth is both a time and a financial investment. With this virtual mentoring relationship, however, it is not difficult to find a mentor that is free of charge.

5. Concise. 

   I want something that is easy to read, will make me think, and will issue some sort of practical application or call to action. You shouldn’t have to spend time trying to decipher or interpret the message of a virtual mentor.

6. Leads to growth.

   The best advice I ever received was to grow just a little bit each day. The main goal of any mentoring relationship is growth. Allow the voice of your mentor to encourage and teach you to be better.

Another virtual mentor in my life is Darren Hardy, the publisher of Success magazine. He delivers a daily message to my inbox that is typically a video and requires no more than three minutes of my morning. I consider Darren to be my success mentor. Who are the big voices in your life? I would like to encourage you to make mentors a priority. Give mentors the space to shape and influence your thinking and you will be astounded at the growth that will take place. [activecampaign form=3]]]>