Position yourself
Do not ask the prospective mentor or investor for help on your idea. Do not ask the world either. Because the odds are against you that you will get one. You are on your own. Instead, position yourself: see how you can be of help to the other person.
If you don't know how to be of help to someone, start by being nice—respect anybody, including children. You don’t have to go kissing people’s toes to do this. You can begin with little graceful gestures like making other people feel comfortable and confident. You may not know what that could fetch you in the end. It could bring you the mentors and investors you are looking for.
Carefully choosing the places that you frequent is another way to position yourself. Choose these places according to the vision you have for your life and the skills you have—or need.
Other ways to position yourself are: the kind of friends you keep and people you meet. Know the places you visit and the people you befriend. These can open other opportunities for you. And lastly, know your environment—your industry—inside out.
You do not need any special skill to position yourself. The least you need are your legs and mouth. Understand that the least you have to offer can make a lot of change.
There's power in building alliances. Always find something within your reach to give people, and do not expect immediate reward.