“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” -Bill Gates

Always ask for feedback. 

Especially when first starting out. Find the person you want to emulate. Go talk to them if it’s at work. Send an email to them. Cold call them. Ask them a ton of questions, explain your thinking behind whatever you’re starting, and ask them if you’re on the right track.

What helped you the most in the beginning? What was one thing you wish you knew when first starting out? What are some of the best resources for me to study? How has your approach changed from the beginning to where you are now? How much time per week do you spend on perfecting your craft? Who were the most influential people you followed?

Ask as many questions as you can. Ask them for a meeting. At least five minutes. Most people are looking to help others. Your main objective is to learn from these people to try and not replicate some of the early mistakes they made. 

Make sure you don’t just write down what they say and move on. Meditate on it. Read over your notes for a few days in a row a few times a day. Rewrite the most important parts in your opinion. Then implement what they suggested. 

Don’t just try their approach or study what they suggested for one week, really take time to digest the information. You’ll most likely not use everything but there will be some really important principles that stick with you.

Report back to them your results after you’ve had enough time to sufficiently use them. Don’t forget to thank them immensely for helping you. They respect the fact you’re driven enough to ask them for help and that you have enough self awareness to notice where you’re falling short in your career or business. 

Replicate this advice to people who may reach out to you once you’ve become the person you aspire to become. Give back. That’s an equally important step.