Is it Time to Find a Mentor?
Obi Wan Kenobi. Merlin. Mister Miyagi.
In film and in stories, heroes and heroines have benefitted from the wisdom and advice of a mentor. Would you and your business benefit from someone who could provide you with knowledge, support and guidance? If your answer is yes, then it might be time to consider finding a mentor.
A mentor/protégé relationship is not one where the mentor offers his time and advice for compensation. Although paid consultants and advisors can be beneficial, a mentor is only interested in helping his or her protégé to succeed.
What can a mentor do for me? A good mentor can teach you about handling your time, building a good team or network, and prioritizing your goals. A true mentor shares the mistakes he or she has made, offers criticism, asks questions and most importantly… helps you ask the right questions.
Even if you feel you have a good support system in your family and friends, a good mentor can often be more honest with you and in the end more helpful. You will have the perspective of someone who knows about your business and can provide the benefit of his experience.
How do I find one? Family members who have their own businesses can be good mentors. But if you aren't fortunate enough to be related to a potential mentor, here is some advice on finding one.
Try to find someone who has been in a business similar to yours, and understands the difficulties in your line of expertise. A former manager or teacher could be an ideal mentor. Even a fellow student could have skills and advice that could help you.
Join community groups or attend Chamber of Commerce events. Networking events like these can bring both beginning and seasoned entrepreneurs together. Look for industry-specific groups and events on Facebook, or subscribe to useful newsletters. You could possibly find someone from your area online in this way.
Approaching a potential mentor can even be as simple as inviting someone for a cup of coffee. Prepare a list of questions or topics that cover what you're hoping to learn, and communicate your goals for the meeting. Most everyone responds positively to this sort of attention; even if your prospect declines the offer, he or she should still be flattered, and may still want to help you in some other way.
While a mentor might not set you on the path to becoming a Jedi Knight or founding Camelot, their advice can be an invaluable addition to your business.