Why is it that only the most successful entrepreneurs, including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson, admit to having a mentor and actually use them?
Starting a new business is tough, and the last thing you need is to suffer the same mistakes that have killed businesses like yours before you. Yet many entrepreneurs I know are too proud or too shy to even ask for advice.
Most successful business people, whether retired or still active, would love to share some of the wisdom they have gained from their own experience, but are not inclined to impose themselves on others.
They expect you to take the initiative, to ask them, and to make it a fun and productive relationship. Here are some guidelines on how to make that happen:
1. Identify specific issues and goals where you need mentoring
First, you need to admit that you want mentoring, and in what areas. If you don't have any idea what you are seeking, you won't know when you have found it. It's tempting for technical founders to seek more depth on technical issues, when they need marketing and financial help.
2. Be willing and able to commit time and effort to the process
Finding a mentor won't help you if you don't have time to listen, and are not willing to do your homework to ask the right questions.
Mentors are people too, so they will quickly sense when they aren't valued. Sessions must always remain positive and not defensive, rather than excuses.
3. Ask for a reasonable time commitment from a mentor candidate
Even the best mentor may be of no value to you, if you can never reach them, or they never find time for you. Then make sure you never make yourself a burden by frequent calls or wasting time on trivial subjects.
The best approach is regularly scheduled small blocks of time.
4. Prepare and plan to lead each mentor session for best productivity
Don't expect the mentor to know and drive your business. Provide the mentor with your relevant business metrics and data, if possible, before each meeting, to allow them to do prior homework as required.
The most valuable insights may be for broader or future business implication.
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