The Internet business environment can be a quagmire to navigate – full of energy sucking cul-de-sacs and deadends. Distractions and get-rich-quick schemes can drain your bank account and derail your plans before you even get the chance to formulate them.
As in any unknown terrain, whether physical or abstract, you need guideposts, or better still a guide, to point you in the right direction. As in any field, whether a professional career, sports or business, a mentor, or coach, can drastically shorten your learning curve.
Finding someone who is well-versed in Internet navigation to direct you is a must if you want to succeed and make money in a short period of time.
What is a mentor?
Quite simply put, a mentor is an experienced person who can:
- pass on knowledge,
- guide you as you explore your chosen environment,
- open doors to new ideas and concepts for you to consider,
- help you sharpen your skills, or learn new ones,
- help you find your passions, talents and strengths,
- encourage you to reach your goals, and
- inspire you to do your best.
What qualities should you look for in an online mentor?
Choosing a friend to be your mentor is not a good idea since a mentor’s roll is to serve you on a qualified level. It is critical that you can accept advice from a mentor and remain focused. You may find this hard to do if the mentor/mentee relationship is already on a closely personal basis.
Nevertheless, you need to know enough about the person you choose as a potential mentor – you need to ensure that he/she has the qualities essential in a good Internet mentor. You want to determine that they are not a fluff artist or BS-er.
Several fundamental characteristics they should exhibit are:
- a clearly demonstrated desire and willingness to help others develop the skills needed to build an online business,
- generosity in sharing their own knowledge and skills, not holding back critical information,
- willingness to give the time and possessing the mental energy to interact and follow up with you,
- imagination and creativity, backed by up-to-date knowledge as demonstrated by own body of work,
- capability to develop an environment that contributes to your growth, and
- a seriousness influenced and levied by a good sense of humour.
The right mentor will lead by example, provide valuable advice as needed, and assist you in problem solving. The right online mentor can shorten your learning curve, thereby providing the momentum to help you succeed faster.
Consequently, it is imperative that you take your time and search for the right mentor.
I found mine in Kevin Riley, and I can honestly recommend him to all my readers.