Ninja Tip: How to Land a Mentor

I’ve been asked this a lot by other entrepreneurs recently: where do you find your mentors?

To answer this question properly, you first need to know why you’re on the lookout. What kind of advice or expertise are you hoping to get out of mentoring? Conversely, what knowledge, skills or enthusiasm can you offer in return? Mentoring isn’t about finding the one key individual who will solve all of your problems by dolling out connections and sagely wisdom on a timely basis.

Here’s the truth: mentors typically are very, very busy people. They usually have their own corporate jobs, consulting practices, and/or may be advising others on the side. If you’re looking for hands-on help with the day-to-day operations of your business, or just someone to keep you accountable, then try starting out with a partner with complementary skillsets or a business coach.

Having a mentor is just like any other kind of relationship building– both sides need to benefit from the mentorship in some way. This may be as simple as sharing similar interests, or seeing a future opportunity to do business. Often times, personalities and mindsets need to mesh.

Above all, mentors need you to understand that while they’re invested in your business and can be counted on to see you through the rough patches, they also want you to do your research before asking the questions. Most of the time, the solution can be found within you and your business partners.

Have more to say? Drop me a line or comment below.

Related Blog Posts:
Ninja Tip: Rockin’ the Presale
Marketing Diversity: Leveraging the Power of Local Communities
Building Trusting Relationships Through Social Media