Looking for a mentor

By Lloyd Luna

Dear Lloyd,

Hi Mr. Lloyd, I got your book Is There A Job Waiting For You? and it's great! I really got inspired. I wanted to have a mentor like you and I'm thinking maybe you can help me find some people who can guide me. Thank you po.

WHEN I got your letter, I immediately forwarded it to my secretary and asked her to give it to my apprentice in the office, Tintin. So, the following advice came from her as she shares how she found me from the flock GoNegosyo mentors.

I remember myself finding for a mentor a few months back. An entrepreneur who will be willing to spend some of his time to share his philosophies, give me some tips, and guide me as I am about to journey the world of entrepreneurship. Internet was my first option as to where will I see possible mentors.

As I gathered enough courage, I emailed a lot of known entrepreneurs in the country asking them to be my mentor. Luckily, Mr. Luna immediately replied and alas! I got myself a mentor.

Looking for a mentor is already a learning experience for me. The first thing that I developed is learn how to ASK. And this was again reiterated by Mr. Luna during my first day as an apprentice, “…receiving is reserved for those who asked.". You have to ask persons that you believe will help you on your career development. I am confident to say that most of them are willing to share the things that they know. Don't be afraid to ask.

You will learn a lot from the people who have reached the peak of their career. You can observe their gestures, their manner of speaking, and even the way they dress. Take not of this and put it into practice.

Mentoring does not only mean being physically together when coaching. You can also learn a lot from the books authored by experts. John Maxwell is one of the authors who I believe helped his readers. Along with other authors they will give you either encouragement, motivation, or some tips. Why don't you read books and I know that even before finishing it, a lot will definitely be learned.

Lastly, I believe that mentoring starts at home. A lot will be learned within the four corners of your house, from your family. You can learn from their triumphs- how they achieved it and their motivation for it, as well as learning from their mistakes- how did they came up with that mistake and the wisdom they have learned from that experience. I am sure that they are the first persons who will be willing to share the knowledge they have gained.

As to when will be the right time to get a mentor, I have to say that anytime is the right time. I had a few realizations as I began the mentoring with Mr. Luna which is, it is much better if I started early. If that is what happened, I surely have lessened the mistakes I have done and molded myself in an earlier time. I should have learned the things I am learning now when I was young… Nevertheless, it is better late than never! That's why I am encouraging you to look for a mentor NOW.

To finish, looking for a mentor does not only mean acquiring lessons from them. As you obtain it, you have to put it into practice. What is the use of the learning you have got if it will just pass from one ear to the other? Nothing, right? So, you have to apply it in your daily lives. It is up to you if you'll be the molded person that the mentoring program is expected to produce.

After being the person who you have to be, why don't you share the knowledge you have acquired through the mentoring program? After all, sharing is where all of this started.

Off-topic, I'd like to invite you to my friend's educational event. Iya Santiago sent me an email about this and I'm going to share it with you.

Last October 2006, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong-Pasig-San Juan, in partnership with Life Academy, Institutional Network for Social Action of Miriam College (English teachers), and E-Telecare, organized the first ever values-based English Camp attended by 72 student leaders.

Now, they are doing it again. So please join the event. The English Camp will be on October 26-28, 2007 with the timely theme "EARTHKEEPERS IN WORDS AND DEEDS" at the Mount Purro Nature Camp in Calawis, Antipolo, Rizal. The camp is for student leaders from universities and colleges in NCR who want to be more proficient and responsible in the use of the English language. Please visit www.lifeacademy.multiply.com for details.

Value your dreams,

BIG