Finding a Mentor

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Having a mentor is one of the best ways to learn more about how to run a business. A business mentor can open doors, teach skills, and give valuable feedback. No doubt it is a good deal for you. But it is often equally, if not more, satisfying for the mentor as he or she can watch his or her experience make a difference. It is a chance to give back. Maybe you are asking yourself, “Hey Steve, that sounds great, but I don’t know of anyone who would or could mentor me. Where would I find one?” Good question. Here is a good answer I hope:

• Ask: Finding a mentor is often the result of simply having the chutzpah to ask someone whom you admire if she would be willing to mentor you. Or just ask around. Tell people that you are looking for a mentor; you may be surprised at how willing people are to help. Speak with business associates, friends and relatives, other entrepreneurs, your place of worship, or even with online communities.




• Pay: If you know someone who knows what you want to learn but who probably would be disinclined to be your mentor, for whatever reason, consider buying their time. Is it ideal? No, but it may still work. For instance, what about approaching that person and offering a fee for a few days of consultation and six months of telephone follow up? Explain that you think she could help you get your business of the ground, that you respect her time and are therefore willing to pay for it.
  you may be surprised at how willing people are to help

  Especially if you are not in a competing business, you may suddenly find yourself with the best mentor that money can buy.




• Click: There are many places online where you can find a mentor: SCORE, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), and SBDCs are a few.

What to Look for in a Mentor: You want someone whom you respect, who has something to teach you, and maybe who has some connections and people that you could meet.

Keywords: Business Planning, Featured, ICIC, leadership, mentor, NAWBO, SBDC, SCORE, Start Your Business

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