Webster's dictionary describes a mentor as a 'wise and trusted adviser'. A mentor is not just occasionally there to help us. It is a more structured setting and there are guidelines that are followed. The mentors aim is to assist his student to reach his goals and through his expertise he will guide him along that path.
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.
So let's say that this is the situation you find yourself in. You are a very bright person but you are not computer literate and you don't have any friends in your age bracket that can help you out. So what do you do? Well, you search out a person who is having success in the business that you are interested in.
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.
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.
Just keep on looking and the right person will come along!
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.
There is great satisfaction in not only being mentored but in turn mentoring others. Being mentored means that you can achieve your goals more effectively and speedily and mentoring others can be extremely rewarding as you see them grow and achieve their dreams.
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 - 16069
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.
So let's say that this is the situation you find yourself in. You are a very bright person but you are not computer literate and you don't have any friends in your age bracket that can help you out. So what do you do? Well, you search out a person who is having success in the business that you are interested in.
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.
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.
Just keep on looking and the right person will come along!
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.
There is great satisfaction in not only being mentored but in turn mentoring others. Being mentored means that you can achieve your goals more effectively and speedily and mentoring others can be extremely rewarding as you see them grow and achieve their dreams.
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 - 16069
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.
