The other day, I had the opportunity to sit down with the brother of one of my favorite people on the planet, Melissa Fuller.

I had the pleasure of leading Melissa for several years. In fact, she was one of the best team members I’ve ever worked with, and I credit her for being the one who really brought social media to our company’s forefront. In addition, her mother has attended my EntreLeadership event, and I have even spent some time with her dad discussing his company.

And now … her younger brother. I first met Brock years ago when Melissa was playing the stages downtown at the CMA Fest. He was her drummer at the time. I got to know him better when we were part of Melissa’s first video shoot, Money, Money, Money. Since then, we’ve kind of just seen each other in passing.

But that didn’t stop Brock from asking if he could get my opinion on a business idea. I said yes, and we met for breakfast. Brock has an incredible concept for something we both think can take off. But he wanted some insight on how to turn it into a viable product and get it out to the masses.

An hour later, we were both happy. Brock now has a bunch of ideas for research and implementation, and goals to make this product happen. And I had a great time. (It doesn’t hurt that Brock is a cool guy to hang out with, but that’s beside the point.)  And it happened simply because he asked.

So many times, I see people trying to make their “thing” happen without any help. They want to prove they can succeed on their own and never stop to ask someone with more knowledge for input. They run out the door with the plan, only to be smacked in the face with the realities that come with business.

Mentors are difficult to find … if you’re not looking for one. I think if you ask Brock, our hour together was well worth the cost of him asking. (I could be wrong. He might think it was horrible.) We both gained valuable insights. I just can’t wait for my commission checks to roll in from his business. (OK, maybe just a nice dinner when he succeeds.)

Question: Do you have someone you are running ideas by? Are you that person for someone else?