What Does it Take to be an Online Mentor?
Could Your Life Experiences Help People in Need of Advice?
Two heads, as the old saying goes, are better than one. So it stands to reason that the more people who get together to solve difficult problems, the better the outcomes. Pooling expertise and experience is a great way to get a wider perspective on a situation and to access more potential solutions.
Whether it's assistance with business decision making, or wise counsel that is required in making important life choices, online mentoring is a new way of accessing support. Find out what it takes to be an online mentor.
How Does Online Mentoring Work?
Online mentoring websites are places where one can ask for support with any issues, whether they are emotional, work or business related. The beauty of online mentoring is that it is confidential, anonymous and can be accessed with great ease.
Often, people have problems that they cannot share with friends or family members. The friends or family may be part of the problem, or perhaps the individual is in need of help from somebody who is able to give an unbiased and impartial opinion.
The difficulty with asking friends for advice is that they may collude - in other words, they will say what they think the person wants to hear, rather than telling them the uncomfortable truth. The truth could jeopardize a friendship and so is often avoided.
What Sort of Person Makes a Good Online Mentor?
Anyone who has some useful life experience can be a mentor. One of the most precious and scarce commodities these days is time, so anyone who has some spare time can log on to offer their support.
There is demand for a wide range of skills and experiences. Some advice seekers want to speak to a person who has been through what they are going through. Others may seek out somebody of the same age, or they may seek advice and perspective from somebody who's older. A long and varied business career maybe the qualification to be able to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Others may simply be looking for a sympathetic and patient ear.
What is the Difference Between a Mentoring Site and a Forum?
There are many good forums on the internet where one can seek help and inspiration. However forums aren't private places, which is fine unless one has a personal problem to discuss. Mentoring sites offer a confidential way of requesting help for sensitive issues.
Does Online Mentoring Work?
Judging by the number of people turning to online mentoring, it seems there is a genuine demand. After all, what could be better than being able to access a wise counselor from the comfort of one's work desk or home PC. Online mentoring is not a substitute for counseling or medical support, but it can be another way of getting support when one is in a difficult space.
Sources:
Reflecting On Life's Problems with On Line Mentors
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