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.
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 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.
Over the years, I have been blessed with many mentors. I credit my success to their training and without their knowledge and guidance I know I would not be the successful person I am today. I cannot thank them enough for how they have enriched my life.
Jan Shimano
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.
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 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.
Over the years, I have been blessed with many mentors. I credit my success to their training and without their knowledge and guidance I know I would not be the successful person I am today. I cannot thank them enough for how they have enriched my life.
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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