Today I want to talk about the benefits of having a mentor. After I came online, I spent many years “blundering” around and making no progress. I gave up more times than I care to admit. Eventually, I got tired of always getting sidetracked, and second-guessing myself and I finally joined a mentoring group and hired a mentor to help me.
I was thinking about it- hiring a mentor is kind of like hiring a guide to help you walk through a jungle. Of course the mentor is the guide. You’ve hired them to walk you through the jungle of the online marketing world. The destination? Having a successful online business. Since the guide has taken many people down these trails and is very familiar with the twists and turns, and the dangers that are associated with walking this trail you are confident that they can get you to your destination (the place where you are actually selling what you want to sell and earning what you want to earn).
You start out all excited and fresh. But as the day wears on, you begin losing your zeal. You start to see that it’s work. You walk by a clearing and through the trees you see people laughing and having fun (social media). You want to stop and see what they’re doing, but your guide reminds you that you can’t afford to get sidetracked if you want to get to your destination. Pretty soon you go by another clearing and the people are yelling, “Hey come over here! We found a better faster way to get there.” You look at the guide. Surely, she’ll want to take the shortcut. But, no. She’s unimpressed; she’s seen it all before. So you get in line and keep walking. As you walk along, the guide shares important information that you’ll need to know in the future. You listen carefully, even though you don’t totally understand.
After a while, you start wondering what’s going on. Why aren’t we there yet? You’re getting tired and hungry and there’s no sign that you’re anywhere close to your destination. Thoughts of doubt flit through your mind. “Is this the right guide for me? Is she taking me where I want to go?” It seems like you’re walking in circles. After several more hours and some close calls with the tech monsters, you start seeing signs that you’re getting closer.
The path is getting easier to walk, you walked by some snack bars and got something to eat and drink (You’ve got a few e-mail subscribers and made a few sales). After more time goes by, your mindset changes. You realize that you never really “arrive.” The only difference between now and when you started out is that you’ve learned the ropes, and it’s getting easier. You can see the potential. You’ve made some friends and while you’ll always need a guide you’re no longer so dependent on them to make things happen for you.
Where are you on this journey? Have you found your “guide” yet?
Here are some of the benefits of having a mentor to help you grow your online business:
- Experience: Mentors have been there, and done that. They’ve probably faced the same challenges you’re facing and can offer valuable advice based on their experience. You’ll want to hire a mentor who’s successfully doing what you want to do.
- Another benefit of having a mentor is guidance: They can guide you through the process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes. This can save you time and money in the long run.
- Accountability: Knowing that you have someone to answer to can help keep you on track. Mentors can hold you accountable for your goals and help you stay focused. For example: You set a goal to have 3 articles on your website by a certain date, but you keep procrastinating. A mentor can check in with you regularly, offer support, and motivate you to stay focused.
- Networking: Mentors often have extensive networks that they can introduce you to. This can open up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Motivation: Running an online business can be tough at times. Having a mentor can provide the motivation and encouragement you need to keep going, especially during challenging times.
- Feedback: Mentors can provide valuable feedback on your ideas, strategies, and execution. This can help you refine your approach and improve your business over time.
Now that you know the benefits of having a mentor, how do you can find the right one for you. Here are some things to think about:
- Know What You Need: Figure out what areas of your online business you need help with. It could be marketing, sales, product development, or something else.
- Check Their Experience: Look for mentors who have experience in your industry or niche. Do they have a good track record? Check their background, previous projects, or businesses they’ve helped.
- Consider Compatibility: Make sure your mentor’s personality and working style match yours. It’s essential to have good communication and understanding between you.
- Ask for References: Talk to their previous mentees if possible. Ask about their experiences and how the mentor helped them.
- Clarify Expectations: Discuss what you expect from the mentorship and what they can offer. Make sure you both are on the same page.
- Be Open to Learning: Your mentor should challenge you and provide valuable insights. Be open to constructive criticism and new ideas.
- Start with a Trial Period: Begin with a short-term commitment to see if the mentorship works for both parties. You can extend it if things go well.
Have I convinced you of the benefits of having a mentor? It’s like having a trusted guide on your journey toward a successful online business. They can offer valuable insights, support, and encouragement that can help you navigate challenges and reach your goals more efficiently. With a mentor by your side, you can gain confidence, learn from their experiences, and avoid common pitfalls. So, whether you’re starting a new career, or launching a business, consider the immense benefits of having a mentor to guide you along the way.
I’m Lorene Troyer. My passion is to help businesses and organizations with their content creation needs. Perhaps you’re too busy to write it all yourself. Have you ever used done-for-you (PLR) and rebranded it as your own? Not sure about it? Here is some free private label rights (PLR) content for you to try: Free Private Label Rights Content
For more information on this topic, you can purchase the “Content Creation Bundle” containing 6 eBooks on the topic of how to create content to grow your online business. Content Creation Bundle