Why I Hate Gary V and Why You’re Never Too Old for a Mentor

If you don’t know who Gary V is, do you even know what the internet is, bro? Gary V is an inspiration machine. It’s like the internet was invented for him.

The problem I have with Gary V isn’t him—it’s all the people trying to be him. As you’ll notice throughout this newsletter, I’ve stolen ideas, practices, and strategies from all sorts of incredibly gifted and generous people. But one mistake I made early on was trying to be those people or blindly implementing one person’s strategies wholesale. What I’ve found works best is taking a bit from here, a bit from there, and blending it into something uniquely my own.

Oscar Wilde said it best: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

The world doesn’t need thousands of Gary V clones running around. There can only be one Gary V. What the world really needs is the best you. Absolutely, take what’s useful from Gary. Use him as a virtual mentor; he really knows what he’s talking about. Just don’t try to be him. It won’t work. You’ll end up like a bad photocopy: faded, hard to read, and ultimately lost in a sea of clones.

You’re Never Too Old for a Mentor

Ahh, Grasshopper. Wax on, wax off, and you’ll become a Jedi. (Yes, I’m mixing my movies here, but we’re talking about iconic mentors.)

No matter what stage of your career you’re at, you’re never too old for a mentor. This might surprise those of us who’ve shimmied our way up the corporate ladder and think we’ve “made it.” But if you want to learn new things, you’re going to need to reach out to people who already know those things.

And mentors aren’t just for your career. You can find mentors to help you change the way you live, approach relationships, or pursue personal passions.

What Is a Mentor?

Let’s clarify what we’re calling a mentor:

A mentor is someone who provides guidance, support, and advice to help another person grow—personally, professionally, or academically. Mentors leverage their own knowledge, experience, and insights to assist their mentees (that’s you!) in navigating challenges, making informed decisions, and achieving their goals.

Key qualities of a mentor:

1. Experience: A mentor has expertise or firsthand knowledge in a specific field or area.

2. Guidance: They offer advice and insights without dictating actions.

3. Support: They encourage and inspire their mentees, fostering confidence and resilience.

Mentors Can Be Anyone (Even Fictional or Historical Figures)

Mentors don’t necessarily have to be alive or even real (see: Karate Kid/Star Wars mention earlier). For example, I consider Abraham Lincoln and Rich Roll as mentors. One is obviously dead, and the other I’ve never met or spoken to. You can choose Gary V as a mentor too, even if you’re never likely to meet him.

Here’s something people my age might need to wrap their heads around: a mentor can be younger than you. In fact, if you’re trying to start a new career or learn something fresh, there’s a good chance it’ll be someone younger who holds the keys to that world.

How to Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor

Remember, asking someone to be your mentor is an ask. You may get a “no” because this requires their time and energy. With that in mind, here are four tips to consider:

1. Be Specific About What You’re Asking For—Clearly define the type of mentorship you’re seeking, such as advice on specific topics or regular check-ins.

2. Respect Their Time—Keep your request manageable and flexible, showing that you value their busy schedule.

3. Show Commitment—Demonstrate that you’re serious about your growth by highlighting actions you’ve already taken or goals you’re working toward.

4. Express Gratitude—Thank them sincerely for considering your request, and if they agree, regularly show appreciation for their guidance.

Paying It Forward

If you’re lucky enough to find a mentor who makes a difference in your life, consider paying it forward. Say yes if someone asks you to mentor them and you feel you have something valuable to offer.

I hope you found this article helpful and that it inspires you to take the leap and ask someone to help make a difference in your life. After all, you’re never too old to learn something new—or to teach someone else what you know.

As a thanks for your commitment to reading this newsletter I have a free mini course on “How To Be A High Performer In Times Of Change”

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