Thursday, January 1, 2009

Is mentoring worthwhile?

By Jan Shimano

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 the majority of cases the mentor would be the older person. That is not necessarily always the truth though. It could be that an older person is needing to learn something new that most young people already know. For instance, the majority of young persons can find their way around the Internet without any trouble. Older people, who perhaps have only just purchased a computer, have no idea where to begin.

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 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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