According to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, the word "mentor" means "a trusted counselor, guide, tutor or coach". The key to this definition is trusted. How do you find someone who you can trust with your innermost feelings, goals, and objectives?

Surprisingly, it is easier than you think. A mentor can be anyone you come in contact with in either a professional or personal aspect. A mentor is someone that has similar viewpoints as you, is willing to give and take ideas, and gives information confidentially. Mentoring is also something that works both ways, creating a parallel relationship between both parties.

Trust comes with time. Test the waters at first. Put out small ideas that you wouldn’t mind sharing with other people. See what happens to this knowledge. Is it shared with your competitor? Is information a two way street – meaning do you get as much as you give?

So where do you look for a mentor?

• If you are still in school, a professor or counselor can often help. Often you build up great relationships with people you deal with on a day to day basis. A professor may have contacts that will help you find different resources to get started in your set path.
• Search out a good business/life coach. They are worth their weight in gold! Everyone needs someone who is a wealth of knowledge in how to expand and grow. Coaches often set up small mentoring groups in non-competing businesses.
• Look at your own group of friends. One of my best mentors is a friend I made through our daughters’ friendship.
• Join a leads group. Leads groups are a great way of meeting people in non-competing businesses. If you begin clicking with a couple of the members, set up a mentoring meeting in which you can share ideas, ask questions, and discuss general business objectives.
• Join a Chamber of Commerce. Chambers are a great way of meeting people, and often have lead and mentoring groups already in place.
• Join a professional organization specializing in your area of expertise. This is a great way of finding people to rely on that have expertise in your specialty. Talking shop can often be more detailed because of the knowledge level.
• Join a professional organization with limited knowledge in your area of expertise. Are you designing a web site? Join an Internet users group. Or a web site design group. Or Women In Technology. Learning is the key. And you may find some great resources along the way.
• Join communities online. This is a new and growing area. There are community boards on just about any subject you can think of. We have been a part of the AOL photography forum for years, and have made some wonderful friends and mentors along the way.
• Join a club. A cooking club. A book club. An investing club. People with the same likes and dislikes are often found in the same area.

Are you noticing a pattern here? The key is to get out of the house, get out of your office, and meet people! Share your knowledge – It’s the only way to grow!

Lori Osterberg has been marketing online since 1995. Her
popular online newsletter is read weekly by small business
owners from around the world. To subscribe visit
http://www.VisionOfSuccess.com

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