You’re starting your entrepreneurship career. How do you find the right mentor?

Finding the right mentor for your entrepreneurship journey is essential for success. Start by identifying your specific needs and goals as an entrepreneur, consider seeking mentors who have experience and expertise in your industry or niche. Leverage your existing network, such as professional associations, alumni networks, or online communities, to find potential mentors. When reaching out, be clear and concise about what you hope to gain from the mentoring relationship and demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth. Remember, the best mentor-mentee relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.

"Well begun is half done" is a golden principle, especially when it comes to finding the right mentor. Just like visiting a doctor, where you need to have a clear understanding of your symptoms to receive relevant treatment, knowing your goals as an entrepreneur is crucial before seeking mentorship. If you're unsure about what you want to achieve or where you want to go, you risk receiving advice that may not align with your vision. Therefore, before consulting a mentor, take the time to define your goals, clarify your vision, and determine what you want to achieve with your new venture. This clarity will not only help you find the right mentor but also ensure that their guidance is tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.

"One doctor can't cure all diseases," right? Similarly, when it comes to mentorship, seeking diversity is key. You need mentors with different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise to provide well-rounded guidance. If you're facing specific challenges, like scaling or process management, it's essential to seek mentors who are specialists in those areas. Each mentor contributes unique insights and perspectives, shaping you into a better entrepreneur. So, choose your mentors wisely—they play a crucial role in your journey towards success.

Not only is it crucial to be proactive when finding a mentor, this is a pivotal part of maintaining and growing your relationship with the ideal mentor. A great mentor is constantly being asked for something of their time and resources, so I approached my mentorship relationship with my longest mentor by trying to bring constant value to the table. Whether it's making introductions that would benefit her, sending articles or encouragement toward a challenge she's having, or simply taking the time to ask about HER life - that's been the foundation of my greatest mentorship relationship.

Mentorship is an ongoing journey, and being proactive in seeking help and support is key to growth and success. It's important to understand that having a mentor doesn't signify weakness; rather, it demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and scaling new heights. In today's age of AI and globalization, finding the right mentors at the right time has become more accessible than ever. I believe in community-driven mentorship, with dedicated groups fostering relationships. By actively engaging in these communities and networking with smart individuals, you expand your influence and access invaluable support. Surrounding yourself with those more successful allows for mutual learning and growth—give mentorship, receive mentorship.

Practice gratitude and give credit to everyone who helps you become a better person, including your mentor. Sharing feedback with your mentor not only shows your belief in them but also boosts their confidence in their mentoring abilities. It's important to let your mentor know how their advice has impacted you and to ask for further instructions to improve. This open communication strengthens your mentorship relationship and fosters mutual growth and success.

As your business grows, so does your level of success. And as your success grows, your mentorship needs evolve. Maybe your first goal as an entrepreneur was to achieve 6 figures of revenue, so you sought someone out based on that criteria. Now you've surpassed that and you've moved the goal post to 7 figures, but your current mentor hasn't achieved that for themselves yet. It's important to constantly seek out mentors that are in a place you aspire to be so you don't hit a plateau in your own growth journey.

I'd like to share one of my favorite Japanese Proverbs: 'Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great mentor.' In Sanskrit, we say 'Guru devo bhav!' Trust your mentor; they understand your strengths and weaknesses better than you do. Ekalavya's story from the Mahabharata highlights the importance of determination in seeking mentorship. Despite lacking direct access to his desired mentor, Dronacharya, Ekalavya's resourcefulness led him to create a statue and learn from it. This tale emphasizes the value of having the right mentor, even if it requires unconventional methods. In today's digital age, virtual mentorship offers abundant opportunities to find guidance, provided you're willing to seek it out

To find the right mentor for your entrepreneurship journey, first identify your needs and objectives. Leverage your existing professional network by attending industry events and connecting on social media. Consider joining formal mentorship programs offered by incubators or accelerators, which can provide access to experienced mentors. Research potential mentors' backgrounds to ensure alignment with your goals. Reach out directly with a personalized message, expressing how their mentorship could benefit you. Remember, a successful mentorship is a two-way relationship; show appreciation and keep your mentor updated on your progress. Diversify your mentorship sources for broader insights and more extensive networks.