Article by Paul Anstis
When you are first beginning in internet marketing there is a very steep learning curve and it is often easy to get overwhelmed . Another reason newcomers struggle is the need to stay motivated. As your business develops having a good internet marketing mentor can be an important resource.
Some mentors are certainly more competent than others, and there is a lot written on the internet about how to find a good one, or what makes a good one, but there is surprisingly little on how to be one. I trust this helps.
In the following article I am not talking about gurus with a wealth of experience and knowledge, in fact most people who are in a mentoring role do not have a great deal of experience and are not making six figure incomes. I will be talking more about those who have the mentor role pushed upon them by the type of business they are in, or simply because they are available online.
A Good Internet Marketing Mentor Traits
Good mentors have several attributes in common.They can relate to the mentees (makes them sound like lollies). A good mentor should have been where you are in the past. It is desirable that they can understand your technical as well as motivational challenges.
They have experience in the same area .It is desirable that your mentor can answer most of your questions about internet marketing. While it is important that they have more knowledge about internet marketing than you they do not have to be an expert. When you are in your first month you are not likely to be asking questions about how to get your business listed on the stock exchange.
They are easy to approachIf a mentor makes you feel as if you are bothering them by requesting help they are probably not a good mentor.
They motivate peopleAn internet marketing mentor who provides encouragement , particularly when you are starting to doubt yourself , can be very valuable .
They are able to give feedbackKnowing how to give good feedback, whether positive or negative, is a skill . You do not want a mentor who attacks you personally about something you had not learned about yet .
They Are HonestA mentor who does not tell the truth, whether it is about your own performance or their own knowledge is not doing you any favours, on the other hand it is important you have a mentor who is not always giving you the worst case scenario.
They Are RespectfulJust because a mentor may have more experience in internet marketing does not mean they have more experience in other things. It is also desirable that your mentor is not patronizing or pushy.
They are humbleNo internet marketing mentor knows everything about everything, they should be able to admit when they do not know the answer and also be happy to receive knowledge from you as well as give it. If a mentor does not know the answer they should either find it or point you in the direction of the answer.
They are able to maintain perspectiveWhen you are starting out it is easy to become weighed down with the unimportant stuff. A good mentor can keep focus on your overall goal.
They are available Be it email, facebook, skype or whatever, you should be able to get access to your mentor without too much difficulty.
Despite those being some of the features of a good internet marketing mentor it is a two way relationship and the mentee has responsibilities too. Your mentor has their own business too and is not able to hold your hand all the time. You should not head for your mentor when you can get your answer more quickly and simply by searching online . Give your mentor a break if they are not perfect, remember if your mentor has had the position thrust upon them, for instance you are the first member of their mlm downline, then they are still developing their mentoring skills.
Finally, remember that your mentors failure or success does not determine your own , that’s up to you.
For more tips on setting up a small business online, and and to read this article on my blog, visit Paul at his blog or his website http://biztrainonline.com
