Is Mentorship Dying?

Even though it has been a pillar upon which many a success story has been built, mentoring is in danger of being a lost art for young entrepreneurs.

An important way of determining business success, should be a measure of how we give back to society.  Monetary donations are easy for most businesses, but is that enough? Is that a cover up for not donating sacrificially by donating time and effort to help someone else succeed?



For those of us who can attest to the fact that #Mentoring Works, here are 3 things we can do in January in recognition of Mentoring Month.

1.     Share Your Success Story
There are many ways in which you can do this.  If you are active on social media, blast away!  Also consider speaking to young people at your local schools, churches, clubs and other associations.


2.     Help Mentor Others
Of course this takes time and a special kind of commitment. There is no argument though, that the benefits of this investment of your time and effort are immeasurable.


3.     Start a Mentoring Program
If your business has 5 or more employees, you can start a program within your business.  Do not be daunted if it doesn't. You can collaborate with other companies in your area or you may incorporate trusted, knowledgeable business partners to help.





For more information on National Mentoring Month click here

National Be On Purpose Month

When I learnt about this particular observance, the first thing that came to mind (right after my "what on earth is this about" moment) was that there are many things that I would like to do on purpose (if you catch my drift!!)

It appears that the original intent was to bring focus on the resolutions otherwise so quickly forgotten and to bring a sense of calm in the face new year challenges in both our professional and personal lives.  Once I let go of my impish thoughts, I pondered for a long time on what I could really do On Purpose, that would benefit "me" or someone else (to make them better than me - otherwise known as an investment in other people).

These were my top 5 items:

• Go visit a few older persons
• Build an online community
• Finish the book I started
• Learn to play tennis
• Participate in a group effort

Of course the reason I had not been doing these things before was because I On Purpose chose not to.  So the question remains, how do you now On Purpose, do the things that On Purpose you had not been doing before.

I crossed everything off my list and came up with a new one.

1.     On Purpose - stop making excuses for not getting done the things I commit to doing.

2.     On Purpose - take away something I like doing whenever I make an excuse for doing #1.

3.     On Purpose - live as though I will be stuck down for failing to do #2 when #1 is violated.