The Importance Of Having A Business Mentor
Individuals who find an experienced business mentor will have a better chance of reaching their goals. Mentors have achieved success in a specific area and have the ability to help an entrepreneur navigate the tricky task of making a new business succeed. They can offer an ear to someone who needs to talk through the rough times and point out where a business strategy may be lacking. A mentor has already started a successful business and can help anyone who is just starting out avoid making the common mistakes associated with starting a new enterprise. When searching for your own mentor, the first step you should take is create a list of what you expect the mentor to help you do. Here are the characteristics of a good mentor:
The crucial part in finding the best mentor is listing down all the characteristics that you are looking for. Among these are:
1. Someone who is a great listener 2. Someone who is connected in the business world 3. An experienced person
Now it is time to start your search. You can start by talking to family members and friends. After that, you can expand your network. Do not rush or you will end up choosing the wrong mentor. Trade shows are a good source of experienced mentors. Sometimes the ideal mentor may be a stranger. If you are still having trouble finding someone, consider hiring a consultant.
After creating a list of what you want in a mentor, you can start the search. Ideally, you should start looking for mentors who are closer to home. For instance, family and friends can offer very helpful tips, and you can talk to them openly. You can ask a friend or colleague to put in a good word for you and introduce you to a potential mentor. Visiting trade shows might also be a good idea because you can meet someone who has excelled in his industry. If you do not find a mentor, you can always pay for one. Business consultants can offer great advice on how you should run your start-up. Once you find a mentor, it is important that you build good relations with him or her. While not strictly necessary, it may be good for you to draft an agreement for both of you to sign so as to ensure that everything you discuss remains confidential.
Having a good relationship with your mentor is everything. It defines how well you pick up the lessons. Always consider the availability of the candidate before hiring him. You would want someone who is reliable and will show up on appointed date and time.
The crucial part in finding the best mentor is listing down all the characteristics that you are looking for. Among these are:
1. Someone who is a great listener 2. Someone who is connected in the business world 3. An experienced person
Now it is time to start your search. You can start by talking to family members and friends. After that, you can expand your network. Do not rush or you will end up choosing the wrong mentor. Trade shows are a good source of experienced mentors. Sometimes the ideal mentor may be a stranger. If you are still having trouble finding someone, consider hiring a consultant.
After creating a list of what you want in a mentor, you can start the search. Ideally, you should start looking for mentors who are closer to home. For instance, family and friends can offer very helpful tips, and you can talk to them openly. You can ask a friend or colleague to put in a good word for you and introduce you to a potential mentor. Visiting trade shows might also be a good idea because you can meet someone who has excelled in his industry. If you do not find a mentor, you can always pay for one. Business consultants can offer great advice on how you should run your start-up. Once you find a mentor, it is important that you build good relations with him or her. While not strictly necessary, it may be good for you to draft an agreement for both of you to sign so as to ensure that everything you discuss remains confidential.
Having a good relationship with your mentor is everything. It defines how well you pick up the lessons. Always consider the availability of the candidate before hiring him. You would want someone who is reliable and will show up on appointed date and time.