A mentoring program. Is it for me?
The definition of a mentor, according to Webster's dictionary is a 'wise and trusted adviser'. He is more than just a person we occasionally discuss our problems with. He is a person who has a vested interest in our success and will do whatever he can to ensure that we reach our goals.
For the most part a mentor is usually someone older than us, but this does not have to always be the case. Naturally, we assume that someone older than us is also more knowledgeable that us. However, if we are starting something new and know absolutely nothing about it, then it is quite possible that someone younger would be the most helpful.
For example, let's say you are middle aged and you have just decided to start a home-based internet marketing business. You are not internet savvy at all and none of your friends are either. So what do you do? The answer is to search for a person who can show you the ropes and in this case it would most likely be a younger person who is having success in this market.
Ask around and let people know exactly what type of person you are looking for and the skills that you need to learn. In your particular instance, let's say you are looking for a person who is very successful at marketing over the internet. Be specific about what it is you need to learn.
Think about the people that you have done business with in the past. Perhaps they have the skills that you are wanting to perfect. Do you or your friends have teenage children who are great working around computers. Most of them are these days. Whoever you decide to ask to mentor you, don't be disappointed if they say 'no' and don't take it personally. The two people have to want to do this mentoring program for it to work.
Success comes to those who don't ever give up!
I have read a great deal of autobiographies and most successful people have all had mentors and the wonderful thing is that when they became successful, they in turn mentored others. They all attributed their success to their mentoring program.
It puts you on the fast track to success more than any other way I can think of and a great deal of satisfaction comes to both parties involved. You can also make lifetime friends. It is extremely rewarding for all concerned.
I personally have a number of mentors. Without their knowledge and guidance I never would have achieved the success I have achieved in my business ventures. Their help has been priceless. My sincere thanks go out to all of them.
Jan Shimano
For the most part a mentor is usually someone older than us, but this does not have to always be the case. Naturally, we assume that someone older than us is also more knowledgeable that us. However, if we are starting something new and know absolutely nothing about it, then it is quite possible that someone younger would be the most helpful.
For example, let's say you are middle aged and you have just decided to start a home-based internet marketing business. You are not internet savvy at all and none of your friends are either. So what do you do? The answer is to search for a person who can show you the ropes and in this case it would most likely be a younger person who is having success in this market.
Ask around and let people know exactly what type of person you are looking for and the skills that you need to learn. In your particular instance, let's say you are looking for a person who is very successful at marketing over the internet. Be specific about what it is you need to learn.
Think about the people that you have done business with in the past. Perhaps they have the skills that you are wanting to perfect. Do you or your friends have teenage children who are great working around computers. Most of them are these days. Whoever you decide to ask to mentor you, don't be disappointed if they say 'no' and don't take it personally. The two people have to want to do this mentoring program for it to work.
Success comes to those who don't ever give up!
I have read a great deal of autobiographies and most successful people have all had mentors and the wonderful thing is that when they became successful, they in turn mentored others. They all attributed their success to their mentoring program.
It puts you on the fast track to success more than any other way I can think of and a great deal of satisfaction comes to both parties involved. You can also make lifetime friends. It is extremely rewarding for all concerned.
I personally have a number of mentors. Without their knowledge and guidance I never would have achieved the success I have achieved in my business ventures. Their help has been priceless. My sincere thanks go out to all of them.
Jan Shimano
About the Author:
Jan Shimano was District Manager for Health & Welfare Canada for many years. She has also successfully represented clients at their Tribunal Hearings with the WSIB. She has had many years experience as a Nutritional Consultant and a Master Herbalist and is presently working fulltime as a Business and Health Coach and an internet marketer. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, Gerry.