Meeting with a potential Mentor

[Chris Vail]

I have a call later today with an investor who happens to be the head of one of our local REIA's. This will be our second meeting and our last conversation ended with the question of what could I bring to the table if he and I decide to continue conversations to see where things will lead in the way of real estate investing. So my question is this, as a newbie to REI what would someone already in the investing world look for or need from a newbie?

Through our prior conversations my back ground in engineering has come up and he has said that that interests him as he says his mind does not work in that way. Now for me I think of this as maybe I might be able to asses process that are in place, or not in place, and be able to see systematic inefficiencies and solve for them. Or maybe he needs help with spreadsheet work and formulae driven decision making templates. I have been thinking about what I can offer over the weekend and I keep asking myself the question, How can I know what he needs? I can offer all kinds of help but if it is help that is not needed it does not bring much value to the relationship.

So I guess my first question should really be...

"Thinking about your question of what can I bring to the relationship, I have realized I need to know what you are missing or what you need help with for your business in order to accurately be able to offer help where it would be most beneficial to you. I have lots to offer but if ultimately what I can offer needs to mesh with your needs in order for the relationship to be mutually beneficial."

Thoughts on the above from the experienced investors on the forums that have mentored or thought about mentoring would be much appreciated?

Thanks in advance,

Chris Vail