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

This week, the topic of discussion for my mentorship group was sales. We discussed many ideas around the art of selling, but there was one that stood out in my mind. A common barrier in the presale process was that certain clients focused on telling us about their problems, instead of fully listening to our solutions. Others were only interested in the facts and benefits of our services; in other words, the hard numbers and measurable ROI.

My next ninja tip is: in order to sell, you first need to invest in your client.

This may seem like a backwards process to some- can small businesses really afford to sink so much time and energy into the presale process? Shouldn’t our end goal revolve around getting as many proposals out the door as possible?

To me, the number one advantage small businesses and entrepreneurs have over larger entities is our ability to listen to our audience. Whether it’s through social media, networking, or one-on-one meetings, I never take for granted that individuals have taken time out of their busy lives to stop and have a conversation with me.

So, the next time that ‘pesky’ client requests a face-to-face meeting, or wants you to forward yet another quote or financial statement, I challenge you to see this exchange as a positive investment of your time (and theirs). In asking for more information or telling you about their problems, what they’re really asking for is: will my investment be reciprocated? It’s up to you to show them that yes, their time is indeed valuable and worth every moment of yours.

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