A mentor is someone who serves as an advisor, an example, a sounding board and ultimately a friend to you.

Having a mentor within your industry that has already walked a mile in the career path that you have just begun and has accomplished many of the same goals you have planned for the future can be of great wealth to you both personally and professionally.

Is there a person that you see referenced too quite frequently amongst your industry? Someone you admire and find successful? You can start by contacting them and asking them to meet with you for 30 minutes or by writing a letter and asking if they have any tips or advice for someone that is just starting in the same career path. More times than not they will be happy to speak with you and offer you some advice.

Finding a mentor can be a long process. You can't just go out and recruit someone to be your mentor; you have to let such a relationship develop over time. Don't just target the leading person within your industry because they are successful or make a lot of money. Does this person share your same beliefs? Has he/she achieved some of the same accomplishments you have planned?

A mentor can be a great source of motivation for anyone in business. When you find a perfect mentor, it can pay off in ways you cannot even imagine!