A mentoring program. Is it for me?
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by: JanShimano
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Word Count: 515
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.
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.
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.
The decision has been made - you need a mentor. Now you have to find that person. The first thing you need to do is ask your friends and family. In this scenario you are going to be looking for a person to help you with doing business over the internet. So be specific. You don't need referrals for people good at public speaking for instance. At least, not yet!
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.
Just don't stop looking. The most successful people are those who never give up!
There is nothing negative about wanting to have a mentor. Of all of the autobiographies I have read, in the majority of cases most famous people have even written about their mentors and they attribute a great deal of their success to the mentoring program. A wonderful thing happens when a person has been successfully mentored. They in turn willingly help other to achieve their goals.
By being mentored, you will reach your goals must faster than any other way. Much satisfaction will be derived by both the mentor and the mentee. It will be extremely rewarding for all involved.
I personally have a number of mentors. Without their knowledge and guidance I never would have achieved the success I have achieved in my business ventures. Their help has been priceless. My sincere thanks go out to all of them.
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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