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For All Those Asking for a Mentor: Get a Mentor for Free

by Nightengale
23 replies
Yes, seriously.

We've had a rash of people here lately asking for mentors, but they either can't pay anything or can only pay very little.

Here are two ways you can get a mentor -- FOR FREE:

1. MicroMentor.org

A few months ago, Entrepreneur magazine profiled a free mentoring service called MicroMentor (MicroMentor: Home).

From their website:

"MicroMentor is an online service that connects small business owners with business mentors. MicroMentor puts experience to work by offering business professionals meaningful volunteer opportunities and by offering entrepreneurs one-on-one advice to help build successful businesses. Our mission is to help small businesses grow faster, generate more revenue, and employ more people. We make it easy to be a mentor, find a mentor, and build a business."

This is not geared specifically to IM, which some might consider a negative.

Actually, it's not. This service matches REAL business owners with REAL entrepreneurs. I think such a match could go a long way towards helping some Warriors choose a REAL business model, niche and target market.

2. SCORE.org

Also, if you're in the U.S., consider the Small Business Administration's SCORE, the Service Corp. of Retired Executives. SCORE is also a FREE service that matches retired executives with budding entrepreneurs for FREE help.

You can find them at Free Small Business Advice | How-to Resources | Tools | Templates | SCORE Just put in your ZIP code in the green box on the right-hand side and click "Go."

There ya go! No more whining or excuses!

Michelle
#free #mentor
  • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
    P.S. I just discovered that MicroMentor.org DOES have people who can mentor you in IM.

    You can search for mentors by expertise, industry, country of residence, country of experience, affiliation, language spoken, etc.

    And voila! MicroMentor DOES have a category for "Online/Social Media" under Industry!

    So what's your excuse?

    Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author Oliver Williams
    Great Idea thanks for sharing
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  • Profile picture of the author xxxJamesxxx
    Yeah I've noticed that, tons of people are looking for mentors at the mo. Wonder what's in the water?

    James Scholes
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    • Profile picture of the author wizzard74
      Originally Posted by xxxJamesxxx View Post

      Yeah I've noticed that, tons of people are looking for mentors at the mo. Wonder what's in the water?

      James Scholes
      Forget the water, as long as it's whiskey
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  • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
    Originally Posted by Nightengale View Post

    ...
    This is not geared specifically to IM, which some might consider a negative.

    Actually, it's not. This service matches REAL business owners with REAL entrepreneurs. ...

    Michelle
    Just to be clear... isn't IM REAL business too?
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Bugger, they beat me to it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by John Romaine View Post

      Bugger, they beat me to it.
      Not at all, Johnny. Not at all.
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      • Profile picture of the author salegurus
        Also noticed the "looking for a mentor" requests have increased substantially, what surprises me is that there hasn't been a spike in "Mentors".
        Isn't that what usually happens when the sharks detect blood in the water? or am i
        being cynical...

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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    I believe Michelle's point in using the words "real business," was that many who are at the level where they're asking here for mentors haven't yet started treating it as a real business, so some business-centric mentoring would be a good thing -- even if it's not specifically focused on IM.

    When I was brand new to IM, dear, dear Bev Clement offered me a bit of mentoring at exactly the right moment. She told me that she would help me only if I'd do what she asked me to do... no questions.

    The first thing she sent me was a pretty long questionnaire to help me solidify my vision, direction, and goals for my business. It ask zero IM related questions. Just working through this questionnaire gave me a great deal of clarity. "Real" businesses have vision, goals, and a clear direction.

    That's likely how a non-IM mentor could help one the most.
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    • Profile picture of the author sidcandid
      I have also noticed an increase in the number of Warriors looking for a mentor to get going in IM. Thanks for sharing.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      Adwords Mogul,

      Of course IM is a REAL business!

      Originally Posted by Kelly Verge View Post

      I believe Michelle's point in using the words "real business," was that many who are at the level where they're asking here for mentors haven't yet started treating it as a real business, so some business-centric mentoring would be a good thing -- even if it's not specifically focused on IM.
      Bingo! Kelly "gets it."

      IM is AWESOME! But all of the things that make IM awesome are also the problem with IM: any schmuck can try IM whether he's suited for it or not. The barrier to entry is incredibly low: low cost, no experience barrier, no vetting, etc. (Which is why there are so many shysters trying to scam you.)

      Too many people get caught up in the dream of IM and they don't TREAT it like a REAL business. They treat it like a lottery ticket. They treat it like hobby. They buy RANDOM stuff with no real plan and then complain (LOUDLY) that people are scamming them.

      Aaarrggghh! Enough already!

      And don't get me started on those with an entitlement mentality!

      Nobody owes you (or me) anything, period. We all pay the same price for success and we all have the same chances.

      This is a business people! Treat it like one!

      I know it can be lonely, overwhelming and frustrating. Believe me, I've been there!

      But it's a BUSINESS. And guess what? You're the CEO! So act like it! Treat your business like a business.

      Get serious.

      1. Pick a niche.
      2. Pick a target market.
      3. Pick a business model.

      Get to know your niche: the players and the customers.

      Have a specific plan and start with baby steps. Course-correct as you go.

      "Baby steps" is my mantra right now. But I know from personal experience just how far baby steps can take you: all the way to the top.

      I did that when I paid off all of my debt and became debt-free. In the beginning, it seemed like an impossible task. In the middle of the journey, it sometimes seemed like my payments weren't making any difference.

      But I was consistent. I remained faithful to my plan. No, not everything happened the way I planned. Life "happened" (i.e. unexpected expenses) and I lost a little ground sometimes. But I stuck to it. And one day, I realized I was over the hump: I'd paid down more than half my debt!

      Things got easier from there because I'd built momentum in my debt-repayment plan. And the day really did come when I was debt-free!

      And that made it all worthwhile.

      I think the same thing happens in business. Pick a plan (niche and target market) and then pick a path (a business model and marketing plan) and then work the plan. Focus ONLY on that until you succeed.

      In the beginning, it's overwhelming and you're filled with doubts. Can I really do this? Will I really get any customers? Does anyone want what I have?

      The journey starts with the first customer. Then you continue to build your traffic and sales, analyzing your traffic sources and conversions as you go.

      Then you'll have 10, then 50, then 100, then 1,000 customers.

      It's all about baby steps!

      But first you need a niche, target market and a business model. (Stop jumping from tactic to tactic.)

      Then hunker down and FOCUS!

      This is not a hobby (unless you want it to be). It's not a lottery ticket. It's a BUSINESS.

      Treat it like one!

      Michelle
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Nightengale View Post

        Adwords Mogul,

        Of course IM is a REAL business!



        Bingo! Kelly "gets it."

        IM is AWESOME! But all of the things that make IM awesome are also the problem with IM: any schmuck can try IM whether he's suited for it or not. The barrier to entry is incredibly low: low cost, no experience barrier, no vetting, etc. (Which is why there are so many shysters trying to scam you.)

        Too many people get caught up in the dream of IM and they don't TREAT it like a REAL business. They treat it like a lottery ticket. They treat it like hobby. They buy RANDOM stuff with no real plan and then complain (LOUDLY) that people are scamming them.

        Aaarrggghh! Enough already!

        And don't get me started on those with an entitlement mentality!

        Nobody owes you (or me) anything, period. We all pay the same price for success and we all have the same chances.

        This is a business people! Treat it like one!

        I know it can be lonely, overwhelming and frustrating. Believe me, I've been there!

        But it's a BUSINESS. And guess what? You're the CEO! So act like it! Treat your business like a business.

        Get serious.

        1. Pick a niche.
        2. Pick a target market.
        3. Pick a business model.

        Get to know your niche: the players and the customers.

        Have a specific plan and start with baby steps. Course-correct as you go.

        "Baby steps" is my mantra right now. But I know from personal experience just how far baby steps can take you: all the way to the top.

        I did that when I paid off all of my debt and became debt-free. In the beginning, it seemed like an impossible task. In the middle of the journey, it sometimes seemed like my payments weren't making any difference.

        But I was consistent. I remained faithful to my plan. No, not everything happened the way I planned. Life "happened" (i.e. unexpected expenses) and I lost a little ground sometimes. But I stuck to it. And one day, I realized I was over the hump: I'd paid down more than half my debt!

        Things got easier from there because I'd built momentum in my debt-repayment plan. And the day really did come when I was debt-free!

        And that made it all worthwhile.

        I think the same thing happens in business. Pick a plan (niche and target market) and then pick a path (a business model and marketing plan) and then work the plan. Focus ONLY on that until you succeed.

        In the beginning, it's overwhelming and you're filled with doubts. Can I really do this? Will I really get any customers? Does anyone want what I have?

        The journey starts with the first customer. Then you continue to build your traffic and sales, analyzing your traffic sources and conversions as you go.

        Then you'll have 10, then 50, then 100, then 1,000 customers.

        It's all about baby steps!

        But first you need a niche, target market and a business model. (Stop jumping from tactic to tactic.)

        Then hunker down and FOCUS!

        This is not a hobby (unless you want it to be). It's not a lottery ticket. It's a BUSINESS.

        Treat it like one!

        Michelle
        As I said to somebody else here just a few days ago Michelle...

        Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

        If you improve on something, a tactic, a strategy by 1% per day, after 50 days you'll see a 50% improvement Andy.

        After 100 days you'll see a 100% improvement and after 200 days you'll double what you're doing now. Just focus on this 1% improvement to your overall business strategy each and every day.

        Everyone can improve something by a tiny 1% per day. Might not sound much but give it time and you'll streak way ahead of those trying to bite off more they can chew.

        Think of the tortoise and the hare analogy in a race with one another. At the end of the day...

        ...who won?

        Best,


        Mark Andrews
        Thanks for posting up this link in your OP - I'm off to check it out right now.

        Kindest regards,


        Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    MIcroMentor.org...sounds like a great idea. I have wanted a mentor...but, I will do my work...with or without the mentor.

    An advisor/someone in my corner would be an awesome addition!
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    It's what you do when no one is watching
    that determines what you will be able to
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      It's worth checking out. Good luck!

      Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author Fallen_Angel
    People who are asking for mentors are smart in my opinion. They are serious about learning, they are willing to learn.
    Understanding how people learn is key factor here. Some people are visual learners and can read and watch videos and they get it. Some are audio learners and videos will help these people learn. Some are hands on learners and mentoring fills this group of people.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      Good points!

      I'm currently in a coaching program with my mentor. I paid $7K for this 6-month coaching program. Normally, I don't have anywhere near that kind of money, but I got some unexpected funds and quickly put it to good use before it just "disappeared" (on a "new" car for example). :p

      I would never spend that much money normally, but my current mentor is phenomenal. The perfect mentor for me, really.

      I've gotten over the hump about spending good money on things. If it's worth it, I pay it (if I have it). I no longer look at a high price tag and automatically say "It's too expensive." without looking at what I'm getting for the money and considering how valuable it might be to me.

      Mentoring/coaching can be a HUGE boost to your career. So if you find a mentor you resonate with, and who provides what you really need, then go for it!

      Michelle
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      • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
        And when you get a mentor, don't argue with them! If they're making money doing what you want to do, just do what they tell you to do!

        I think it's so ironic that when we have a day job, we want our own business so we can be our own boss and do what WE want to do when WE want to do it.

        Then we try or get started and feel so lost and confused. So we PAY someone else to tell us what to do! LOL :p

        Seriously though, getting a mentor is SMART. Choose your mentor wisely and then DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU TO DO!

        Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
    Crap. Can't believe I paid 500 dollars for a mentor.

    Oh well. Was probably worth it
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    • Profile picture of the author PattC
      I'm definitely going to take advantage of this program.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zayne
    Thanks for this info Michelle.

    This could be a great way for us to gain experience from other people, and their is really no downside.

    On the other hand you could share your wisdom and expertise with other people to help them build their businesses, and those relationships will last forever!

    Good luck to all,

    Zayne
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  • Profile picture of the author italad
    yes i cant believe i forked out dollars for a coach either, great advice, thanks
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