Become A Mentor!

by Gregory Scott Reid

Published on this site: June 13th, 2005 - See more articles from this month...

'Golden Wisdom from the Golden Years'

You’ve heard the saying a thousand times: “If I knew then what I know now.”

Can you imagine how different your life would be if you’d possessed all the knowledge you have today at an earlier time? Perhaps it’s impossible to turn back the hands of time, but it’s not impossible to pass along the wisdom you’ve gained so others can benefit from it.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Gregory Scott Reid, a.k.a. The Millionaire Mentor.

Many people assume that, with a nickname such as this, it would be my personal goal and mission on this planet to mentor folks to become millionaires. Although that would be a great quest, I’ve focused my intentions in a different direction.

The fact is, I’ve been blessed to mentor inner-city kid’s right here in my hometown of San Diego, and I’ve been fortunate enough to find financial success along the way. As my involvement with the community grew, the nickname was born. With this badge of honor, I was inspired to write the international number one best-selling book by the same title, which now reaches out to people of all generations as a guide toward living their ultimate dream and finding their passion.

Why do I share this information with you? Many people think they need unlimited success and knowledge, or they have to be Aristotle or some other brilliant philosopher, before they can become a mentor or share their messages with those in need.

At least, that’s what I thought. However, as I found out, this could not be further from reality.

All it takes to become a guiding force and beacon of hope is a genuine concern for other people’s success, no matter how they may define it. Remember the golden rule of “treat people the way you want to be treated”? Personally, I think it’s a fable. The true secret to helping and reaching others is to simply treat them the way they want to be treated.

This is because we all have different goals and dreams. What may be important to you might be the last thing on the list for someone else.

In fact, the way I have created a life of abundance for myself is by living this principal in the corporate arena, simply stated it is -

“Mentoring your way to Millions”

It works like this -

Say you had a receptionist - we’ll call her Nancy - and she wants to go back to school to study nursing. She tells you her goal during the one-on-one orientation meeting you have with every new staff member, the meeting where you ask, “If you could have anything you want out of life, what would it be?”

Then, once she's shared it with you, congratulate her on a great choice of career paths, and tell her you’re going to help make her dream a reality. Now, Nancy is no fool. (Of course not! You don’t hire fools!) She may ask why you would support her in something that will eventually cause her to leave your organization.

Tell her she’s a valuable employee and you’ll be sorry to see her go one day. But you realize that by helping her achieve her true goal in life, you make it easy for her to give 100 percent the entire time she's working for you, and assist in replacing herself when it comes time to move on.

Imagine Nancy’s excitement when, a few days later, you show a genuine interest in her goal by giving her a variety of brochures from local nursing academies - brochures you requested on her behalf. We then tell her she can take a few minutes each day on the company phone to contact the schools and set up a class schedule that works for her.

Now here is where the true "Mentoring" comes in.

Take a moment to share with her, (your) experiences with change. Reflect on how you felt, the fears you faced, when you gave up your job to start the company she works for now. Detail how you overcame obstacles and shut out the noise of the "nay sayers" who told you all the reasons why your idea was crazy and you should forget about it.

Let her know you’re there to act as a positive support, a constant reminder that she can achieve her dream. Reinforce the message that if and when she needs guidance, encouragement, or a shoulder to lean on during her transition, she can count on you!

Consider how great Nancy will feel walking into the office each day, knowing that at the end of regular business hours she’ll be heading right toward her life’s goal: to become a nurse and help others. How will she answer your company phone from that day forward?

What do you suppose her tone of voice and enthusiasm level will be when someone asks her about the place where she works?

Think of the terrific first impression she’ll make on the job applicants and potential customers who walk through the front door every day!

It paints a really pretty picture, doesn’t it?

"Mentoring your way to Millions" is a win-win proposition. Let’s face it, the more you help others identify and pursue their dreams, the greater support and backing you get from them in return.

As you read this, know that there’s someone out there waiting to hear about your story and gain insight from your past, someone who could truly be inspired by what you have to share. They are probably experiencing the same exact things you went through, and could benefit from your wisdom, but don’t know whom to ask, and the reward you will feel from sharing your insights is worth a million in itself.

So, here’s my suggestion, along with a call to action: Make it a mission to help others. Become a mentor, and reach out to those who want to hear your message.

Join AARP or any other organization that lets you call on people and offer your services.

Here are some great organizations that would love your help.

Partners Mentorship program (619) 584-5797

Big Brothers, Big Sisters (858) 536-4900

http://www.volunteermatch.org

Can you imagine how wonderful it would have been if someone had reached out a helping hand when you needed it most?

Or better yet, perhaps someone did at one time of your life; isn’t that a great memory for you?

Right now, at this moment, you have the same ability to make a difference.

Will you do it? I challenge you.

You know you want to, so take that action and get out there and make a difference.

Someone is waiting to hear from you.

To sweeten the pot, and remove any excuses, at the end of this letter, you’ll find my personal e-mail and phone number. When you’re ready and willing to take on this challenge, contact me and I’ll even assist you in finding someone to help.

Why do I offer this? It’s simple, really. I’m the most selfish person you’ll ever meet. And I want YOU to be selfish too.

The joy received from watching others prosper and find that spark of hope is priceless. Now it’s your opportunity to enjoy this 'selfish' wealth, because when it's all said and done...

“The greatest success you’ll know is helping others succeed and grow.”

Best wishes, and whatever you do-

Keep Smilin',

Keynote Speaker Gregory Scott Reid mailto:[email protected] Speaker and two-time #1 best-selling author, The Millionaire Mentor and Wake Up: Live the Life You Love http://www.AlwaysGood.com