First of all, lets define what a mentor is. Webster's dictionary says it means 'wise and trusted adviser'. I think we can agree that we could all do with helpful advise now and again. However, a mentor is a lot more than just a person we talk to occasionally who gives us some wise counsel.
In most cases the mentor is the older of the two people. This does not have to be the case though. There are many things that young people know that older people have no clue about. One thing that comes to mind is the technical aspect of learning to do business via the internet. So let's not make any rash assumptions.
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.
Take the time to think back on the people you have met in the past. Perhaps they might not be able to help you personally but what about their grown or teenage children. It's a sure bet that most teenagers know more about the internet than us older folks. Don't be afraid to ask - the worst thing that can happen is that they say no. If they don't agree to mentor you, don't take this personally. It needs to be mutually agreed upon for it to work.
Just don't stop looking. The most successful people are those who never 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 have had a number of mentors over the years. I know that I would not have achieved the level of success that I now have without their knowledge and guidance. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me.
Jan Shimano
In most cases the mentor is the older of the two people. This does not have to be the case though. There are many things that young people know that older people have no clue about. One thing that comes to mind is the technical aspect of learning to do business via the internet. So let's not make any rash assumptions.
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.
Take the time to think back on the people you have met in the past. Perhaps they might not be able to help you personally but what about their grown or teenage children. It's a sure bet that most teenagers know more about the internet than us older folks. Don't be afraid to ask - the worst thing that can happen is that they say no. If they don't agree to mentor you, don't take this personally. It needs to be mutually agreed upon for it to work.
Just don't stop looking. The most successful people are those who never 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 have had a number of mentors over the years. I know that I would not have achieved the level of success that I now have without their knowledge and guidance. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me.
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.
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