As a novice entrepreneur, you are excited to get started on your business, network with other professionals, and begin a campaign to raise awareness about your brand. At times, it seems like you’ve hit a wall. A mentorship now sounds appealing to you. You maybe have an individual in mind, but affirming that relationship is a process, and both must work together to utilize each other’s strengths.
Finding a Mentor
Mentors are like-minded individuals who serve as a guide to help you achieve your goals. They have often traveled a similar path that you plan to travel. There are many ways to find a mentor. In fact, many universities have programs designed for this specific reason: to match you with a mentor who will help form a relationship that evolves organically.
Find an individual you admire – one who will benefit from a professional relationship with you. Study their ways and learn how they rose to success and how they are. Watch as they model their behavior, actions, and interactions with other professionals.
Mentors can extend their knowledge during the initial stages of a start-up to ensure success when times get tough. The early stages of a start-up are often the most challenging, and can sometimes feel like a one man show.
Mentors Have Value Information
Mentors have walked the same road you’re walking down. As an excited entrepreneur who is ready to dive deep into the business world, you’ve nailed down the motivation aspect and are ready to put your detailed plan into practice.
Allowing a mentor into your life during the initial stages of your startup can impact the overall outcome of your business, brand, and mindset as an entrepreneur. Mentors are a wealth of knowledge. They’ve done the research, they’ve applied the techniques and methods and now they’re ready to share this information with a like-minded individual like yourself.
Mentors Hold the Key to Motivation
Successful entrepreneurs find motivation in the most uncommon of places. In the early stages of a start-up, it’s easy to experience burnout over the endless number of hours spent developing an idea and seeing it through to its fruition. A mentor can help find motivation during times when it seems like motivation is gone for the foreseeable future.
They’re Innovative and Have Been Through This Before
Mentors have tried everything there is to try. Like you, some things have worked while others have not. Experienced mentors are up to date on current trends in the market, and have experienced the pitfalls and mistakes that occur during the initial stages of a start-up. They’re available to guide you through these mistakes, and maybe even make a few with you.
Mentors Help Set Boundaries
Boundaries between you and potential partners should be at the forefront of your entrepreneurial spirit. Mentors have learned the ropes of setting boundaries with other professionals, and are there to help you set your own boundaries. Mentors can help define your values as an entrepreneur, and model strategies to communicate early with potential business partners.
Mentors can help identify work place relationships that need a defined set of boundaries. Mentors are well versed in their field, and using them in a workplace setting can help both the mentor and the mentee understand how each prefers to interact with other professionals.
They’re Willing to Step in When You May Not
Young entrepreneurs are eager during the initial stages of a start-up. There are often encounters with potential business partners and investors that don’t go as planned. Or, if you’re like many, there’s a level of fear associated with making your first pitch. Mentors can help step in, make recommendations, and encourage you to take the first step.
Mentors Help Network With Professionals
Entrepreneurs have networked both in person and through the power of the Internet. As a new entrepreneur, networking is the key to finding like-minded individuals who will also have a keen interest in your product, brand, or business. Mentors may even have a keen insight into crowdfunding or other methods of fundraising to move your business in a profitable direction. Use your mentor as a means to connect with individuals they’ve networked with, and open the door to network with individuals new to both of you.
Mentors are free – it might be the cheapest decision you make. Mentors benefit from their work with you, the entrepreneur. They’re free, and could provide the best advice you receive during the most frustrating, challenging, and rewarding ventures during the initial stages of your start-up.
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