Successful mentoring in business is far more flexible than it was in the past. Previously, the only ways to mentor someone were face to face or over the phone. Mentoring in business has progressed in leaps and bounds since the introduction of the Internet. Online interaction means that you can get in touch with your mentor when you are away on business or on holiday. It also means that you don’t have to choose a local-based mentor for your business. Mentors nowadays come from many places.
Successful Mentoring in Business in the Modern Day World
Modern mentors can be anyone from anywhere you choose. Your mentor may be a friend, a family member, a business contact, or someone you find online. Mentoring is far less structured than it was in yesteryear. Whereas before you would have structured meetings penned into your diary, you can now chat on Skype with your mentor at just a minutes notice. A mentoring relationship can be casual or structured. It all depends on what you need and how your business will benefit from a mentoring in business partnership.
Degree of Involvement
Before you get started, you need to decide on the type of relationship you hope to achieve with your mentor. You may wish to work closely together, or you may choose to simply converse by email when you need something. With formal mentoring there will be agendas and goals and regular meetings. But, make sure you don’t mix up your mentoring relationship with that of a coach. A coach is someone you would employ for the short term, who will push you to achieve short-term goals.
E-Mentoring
Online mentoring is not for everyone but it can work for some. Say that you are an expatriate and are looking for a mentor to help you with your new venture abroad. In this case you will most likely not find someone suitable nearby, e-mentoring provides a perfect solution. In today’s globally connected world, there is nothing to stop you from having a successful mentoring relationship with someone from the other side of the world.
What is necessary however for your mentoring in business to work is a deep level of understanding. Your mentor needs to have an in-depth knowledge of your business and how it works as well as a knowledge of your geographical location.
Benefits
Your mentor is not there to tell you what to do or to solve problems you may be having with your business. He is there to offer you advice and provide perspective. He can also teach you skills that you need in order to advance in your chosen field. Your mentor will have valuable connections in the business world. This will ensure that you can network effectively with others both locally and on a global scale. Lastly, collaboration is key to the success of your mentoring relationship. A mentor will stay with you for the duration, no matter how long that may be. As you progress in your chosen business, your mentoring will often come to a natural halt, or become more and more sporadic.