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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
