Sunday, December 21, 2008

Mentors. Do I need them?

By Jan Shimano

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.

Say for instance, that is the situation. You are not knowledgeable about finding your way around on the Internet and yet this is necessary for the business you want to get into. None of your close friends have a clue either. So what to do? The first thing would be to look for a younger person who was having success in the market that you want to enter.

O.K. So you have decided that you need a mentor. How do you go about finding one? There are a number of ways you could do this. First of all you could ask around for a suitable 'match'. You want to be specific regarding your needs. If you need someone to help you with internet marketing, for example, then you wouldn't be looking around for someone to help you with public speaking.

Also, reflect on the people you have come in contact with in the past. Do they have the experience that you are wanting to attain. Perhaps your friends have teenage children who are very savvy around computers and will be able to help you out a lot. Don't be discouraged if the person says 'no' and please don't take it personally. For a mentoring program to work it has to be mutually agreed upon.

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 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

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