08/ 25/ 2005
One thing that every entrepreneur will tell you about starting a business is: it’s not easy. When it comes to challenges like taking out your first loan, marketing your product, launching your Web site and maintaining cash flow, any business person will tell you you’ll be faced with your share of tough spots. But there’s another thing business owners will tell you: what they’ve learned. From experienced businesspeople, you can find out about ups and downs of the marketplace, what worked, what didn’t and what they should have done.
Advice from an experienced business owner can make a big difference for those who are just starting out, and savvy entrepreneurs often are more than willing to help their younger counterparts. If you do your homework to find a mentor and establish a relationship, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of that individual’s knowledge.
Make a planBefore you try to find a mentor, decide what it is you need help with or what it is you’re looking for. Make yourself a list of challenges you face as well as goals that you have for your business. Prioritize each of these lists and think of any specific questions you might have on those topics. Find a mentor
The best mentor you can find is one who understands your concerns and questions and has faced your challenges before. When choosing a mentor, look for someone who has made accomplishments similar to the ones you hope to achieve or someone who has a business similar to yours. Also be sure that this is a person who will be able to make a time commitment to you. Look to people you know, but don’t be afraid to ask those you don’t. Use the links below to begin your search.
Remember that age may or may not be a defining factor when it comes to an experience. A young, successful businessperson may be able to relate to you and your ideas and goals better than someone who has been sitting at the top of a company for 20 years. Often, individuals in your own peer group can be a wonderful resource in helping you to think things through. Yet you may find you relate well with someone decades your senior. Consider anyone with whom you can build a valuable relationship.
Be yourselfWhen approaching a potential mentor, don’t forget to mind your manners, be honest with what you’re asking for and be realistic in your requests.
Your mentor is someone with whom you will be spending a significant amount of time. It is important that you are both comfortable with each other and aware of the terms of the relationship.
Two-way streetWhen its comes to a mentorship, it’s not just about what you can receive, but also what you can give. Keep in mind that businesspeople offer up their services as mentors for a variety of reasons, many of which include self-enrichment, getting different perspectives on their own business or learning about a generation of entrepreneurs much different than their own.
Remember that you are as much of a resource to your mentor as your mentor is to you. Continually live up to this idea, and provide your mentor with the latest on new strategies, technology or other information that you hear about. This is a great way to show your mentor you appreciate his or her efforts.
Stay committedThe learning process is a gradual one, and it is one that becomes more fruitful with time. Keep this in mind when it comes to meeting with your mentor. While you may become extremely busy with running your business, remember the commitment you both have made to this mentorship. In order to get help, you have to make the time to receive it.
