When I was in the corporate world, I had mentors from whom I learned. They taught me skills that helped my thought processes, made me a better manager and more.

Since 1994, when I went into business for myself, I have had additional mentors. Some of them I knew. With others I had only online relationships. And there are some people I consider mentors with whom I have never had direct contact.

A mentor is anyone who can help you advance on your journey. It may be someone who takes you under his wing to teach you specific skills or introduce you to others who can help you. I consider anyone from whom I can learn to be a mentor, even if that learning takes place by reading a book or listening to an audio program.

Here are some ways you can learn from mentors:

• Create a network of people in your industry. Some may be more advanced than you, while others are still beginners. It is likely, however, that all of you will be able to learn from each other. Even someone new to an industry has knowledge and experience they can share with others, and they may bring a fresh perspective to problem solving.

• Offer a benefit to someone from whom you want to learn. Would you be willing to volunteer to work for them for a time, in exchange for the experience and knowledge? Could you help them make a contact or reach one of their goals, and develop a mutually-beneficial relationship?

• Look for online relationships. It is often possible to contact even well-known experts through email. They may be willing to answer a simple question, or steer you in the right direction.

• When you see someone succeeding, learn from them. Study what they do and how they do. Don't copy them, but learn from them. Do they have skills you need to develop? How can you do so?

• Many experts and industry leaders share their information through books, CDs, DVDs and other information products. Make it a habit to listen to one CD, take one online course, or read one book a week. (Or more, if you can make the time.)

Once you acquire ideas and inspiration, put them to use. It does no good to spend a lot of time learning if you do not use what you know.

Cathy Stucker

As the Idea Lady, Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com, has helped thousands of people discover creative paths to success on their own terms. She is a frequent speaker and consultant who shows clients creative ways to attract customers and make themselves famous.

Cathy has appeared on many radio and television programs, and she has been featured in The Houston Chronicle, The New York Times, Black Enterprise, Woman's Day, and many other publications.