Starting and running a business can be tough, especially if you’re doing it alone.
According to Forbes, 90% of startups fail within the first three years. This is often because business owners don’t have access to the right resources or mentorship.
That’s where our mentorship program comes in. Leaning on experienced mentors can help you every step of the way, from starting your business to growing it into a successful company.
Tips to Find the Right Business mentor
It can be difficult to find a mentor in business, but not impossible. Here are a few tips:
1. Start by asking people you know for referrals. Friends and family members are a great place to start, because they may know of someone who is currently or recently has been in a similar position as you.
2. Look for mentors in your field. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for finding professionals who can serve as mentors. You can search by company, job title, or skillset to find someone whose experience and expertise you want to emulate.
3. Attend industry events and workshops. Networking events are a great opportunity to meet potential mentors in person. If you attend workshops or other educational events related to your career, make it a point to meet the speakers and ask them about their backgrounds. This will give you an opportunity to explain what you are looking for in a mentor.
4. Look outside your industry. Mentors don’t always have to be people in your line of work. They can be anyone who has the experience that adds value to your business. For instance, a mentor who can help you improve your leadership skills might be someone from another field such as nonprofit work or education.
5. Ideal mentors will have experience and knowledge relevant to what you are trying to achieve. If the person isn’t able to offer guidance at this time, ask them if they know anyone who can.
6. Anyone with experience as a mentor may enjoy helping you succeed as well. Don’t be afraid to ask people you look up to for advice and guidance. They might be flattered by the request, and they will certainly benefit from the mutual respect that comes from mentoring someone else.
7. A mentor can be someone with a different background and expertise than you. It might be easier to relate to someone who is older and more experienced, but consider asking a friend or family member with little business experience for advice if they seem like an expert in the field that interests you.
8. Keep your list of potential mentors up-to-date. Maintain contact by sending periodic updates of your progress. Once you establish a mentoring relationship, send thank-you notes and follow up with future requests for advice.
How to ask someone for Mentoring
Finding a Mentor can be a daunting task, but not impossible! | Image Source: UNSPLASH
When looking for a business mentor, knowing how to approach them for mentoring is critical to finding someone who will be able to guide you through the process of starting and growing your business. Here are some basic guidelines:
1. Know what you want from a mentor before asking someone to fill the role. Make a list of your goals for this arrangement and discuss them with your potential mentor. For instance, do you need help managing paperwork or navigating local regulations? Are you looking for an investor or manager? Knowing what you want will make it easier to find a person who can help you.
2. Be specific about what type of help you want from your mentor. Once you figure out what your goals are, you can better determine how to find someone who will be able to help you achieve those goals.
3. Think about the person’s strengths and weaknesses before accepting a mentoring position with him or her. If you’re looking for a mentor who can provide sound business advice and guidance, don’t ask someone with no experience to fulfill this role.
4. A good way to find someone willing to be your mentor is by networking through your personal and professional circles of influence. Ask friends, family members, and current or former colleagues if they know of someone who is experienced in your field of interest.
5. Look beyond what you know. Expand your search by attending industry events, workshops, and networking groups that are relevant to the type of mentor you’re looking for. You can find mentors at these types of gatherings who may not be people you already know.
6. Don’t limit yourself to local professionals for this role. You might find mentors online or through other remote means of communication. A mentor can be someone who is geographically distant, but having a connection with the person over the phone, Skype or e-mail can still provide you with valuable guidance and direction.
7. Be open to working with people who aren’t in your field of interest or expertise. They can still be valuable sources of information and experience that will help you achieve your goals.
8. Look for potential mentors at places where they might not expect to find them! For instance, go to industry events or workshops led by people who are considered experts in their field. Their willingness to share information about themselves and their business could make them a great resource for you.
9. If someone is already your mentor, don’t be afraid to ask if they would consider “giving back” by helping another entrepreneur get started or expand their business. Their willingness to help might increase if they know that the mentoring role could become a regular thing between the two of you!
10. Take the initiative to seek out mentors who can help you achieve your goals, but don’t be afraid to look beyond what you know. Sometimes the people you least expect could end up providing valuable insights and guidance if approached in the right way. There are many different types of mentors who can give crucial advice and information that may ultimately lead to achieving business success.
