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.

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!

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 don't stop looking. The most successful people are those who never give up!

Whatever you do, please do not think that there is something negative about wanting or needing a mentor. The most brilliant people of the past have nearly always had mentors. The great thing about a mentoring program, is that when you become proficient at what you need to learn, you then become knowledgeable and are in turn able to mentor others.

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