Entrepreneurship and business altogether can be a tricky endeavor. Even if you are the founder, you require someone who can lead you through tricky business situations.
For that reason, a mentor is essential for your success. Experts say that business CEOs who had mentors when they began their journey ended up having top-performing firms, while others made it to the multi-billion mark.
A mentor will encourage you and help you become a better person. What are some of the things you should do when looking for a business mentor? The process is easy when following these five tips.
1. Analyze your critical needs first
Before you approach anyone, you have to make decisions. Write a plan that you wish to accomplish and steps within your vision that you will need guidance on.
As you do this, you will single out people who have the potential to help you reach your ultimate goals. When in the process of writing, try to prioritize your current goals; as in, go for the short-term goals first before you get to the long-term ones.
2. Recognize potential mentors
Good mentors should have experience in the field that you want to begin pursuing. It should not just be anyone.
Once you have goals in place, think about people who have a level of success that is above yours. That means that he or she will guide you through all kinds of troubles faced at your level. Stay away from mentors who are at the same level as yours.
It is wise to have more than one mentor since some situations require a variety of opinions.
3. Look for someone who is approachable
Some people we may consider are unapproachable mentors. Try asking Bill Gates to be your mentor and inquire whether he can give you one-on-one training when needed.
Your mentor should be someone who is close to you. That means you can talk anytime, hang out, he or she will listen to you, and they’ll have the ability to give you personalized solutions when you require them. The person should be able to reply to texts and calls immediately.
4. He or she should have vast experience
By good, I do not only mean that he or she should have a lot of money. All I am saying is that the individual should live what he or she preaches.
When you give him your ideas, he should use his experience in the industry to help you go through tough business situations. The individual should be happy about his career; otherwise, if he is full of regrets, he might lead you into the wrong trap.
5. What can you give in return?
The most accomplished mentors will give you contacts to people you would not have connections to if you did not know them.
As a way of giving back to that individual who will sacrifice his or her time to spend time with you, be sure to offer something in return. Provide free consultations to him or her about a topic that you know much more about.
Conclusion
When picking a mentor, be sure to be cautious and avoid a manipulator, one who rarely listens, and one that does not ask questions.
A reputable mentor will ask you many questions before he or she gives you an appropriate answer.
