Whether you are just getting started doing business on the
Internet, or are a seasoned professional, there is one
aspect of Internet Business that will always stay at the
top of the "Essential Skills" list!
Dependence!!!
Let me show you how.
First of all, even if you ARE considered a pro in this
industry, you'd better not get too comfortable with that
title. The internet is growing and changing so quickly, that
what you are an expert at today, may present you with a lot to
learn tomorrow! So, essentially, newbies and old pros are
sharing a level playing field. There will always be opportunity
to learn something new.
The best way to go about learning is to depend on those who
are ahead of you!!! Depend on a mentor! And, that works both
ways! YOU will NEED to be willing to BE depended on AS a
mentor also!
I know, you're already telling me how busy you are, and how in
the world would you find time to be at someone's beck and call?
The truth is:
Time spent mentoring will be the most valuable business
investment you will ever make!
I have had the great fortune of being mentored through the
maze of internet business by my good friend Michael Smith.
Notice that I said, "Good Friend". That has been the
by-product of the mentoring! And a valuable one to boot!
It was he who contacted me with a suggestion
for my site. I took him up on the suggestion, and his
willingness to give help whenever I needed it was thrown in
with the deal! What has become of my business (and his!)
since then is incredible!
We now share a joint venture at YMTC (http://www.coyote-art.com)
I know Mike would agree - it has been a win-win situation.
We are now dependent on each other in various ways. There
have been business benefits for both of us.
One word of caution: A successful mentoring situation
depends almost TOTALLY on honesty and integrity, As a mentor,
you must develop a sense of trust between you and your
mentoree. You MIGHT be able to do this on false pretenses
and selfish motives for a short time. But it will come back
to haunt you.
>From the standpoint of the "mentoree", you must be careful,
also. Make SURE you have enough information about the
person who is teaching you to feel totally comfortable with
what they are offering. Don't go into something lightly. If
they are shooting straight with you, they won't have any
problem with you checking out their credentials.
It is obvious how working with a mentor can be a benefit for
the one doing the learning. So, what are the benefits for the
mentor? Simple. MORE BUSINESS.
You're thinking this contradicts with the earlier statement about
unselfish motives??? Not at all.
As the two of you develop a relationship of trust and loyalty, it
goes without saying that the person you are teaching will take an
interest in whatever products or services you offer - IF it is
something that will benefit his or her own business. That is
where the integrity comes in for the mentor.
Do NOT go into a mentoring situation with the goal of cramming
everything you sell down the throat of your student. In fact,
you'll probably lose your student if you do. MOST people are
smart enough to see through even the most carefully woven sales
pitch. Keep your student's best interest at heart above all
things, and the benefits to both of you will flow naturally.
As your student learns, he, too will have valuable resources to
offer you and your business.
The absolute best attitude to take on as you go into a mentoring
situation is to be ready to give, with NO strings attached. That
is an age-old truth that ALWAYS brings blessings to the giver.
So, once again, whether you are a newbie or an expert, you can
benefit greatly from a mentoring situation. If you need a mentor,
and don't know where to start looking, please feel free to contact
Mike or me. We are both at different stages in the "Internet
Learning Process", and both have different skills to offer. We do
have one important thing in common, though. We are both more than
willing to help you at whatever stage you are at! You will be a mentor
yourself in no time!!! (Our addresses are listed below!)
Learn more about the NEW Team Mentor by sending a blank email to
MentorInfo@sendfree.com
Happy Mentoring!
Gail
About the Author
Gail Hornback
Your Marketing Team Center (YMTC)
http://www.coyote-art.com is the joint venture of Gail Hornback
and Michael Smith. You may contact Gail or Mike at the following
addresses for further information.
gail@webworksathome.com
mike@makemoneyhowto.com