Some people may have been born with certain qualities that lead to incredible success in the workplace, in business, and in life — but those who aren’t so lucky shouldn’t become too discouraged. Even the most gifted entrepreneurs have generally had an incredible amount of help from some sort of mentor.
In business, mentoring has actually become a business all its own; acquiring information, advice, and encouragement from someone with more knowledge and wisdom is invaluable in the world of entrepreneurship. Acquiring a business mentor can be a smart move for anyone.
What Is Business Mentoring?
Business mentoring is when someone with knowledge and experience in a given field works with younger, more inexperienced individuals. The mentor helps the mentee acquire knowledge and insight, hone their skills, and get intimate feedback in order to grow and achieve their goals.
In a recent interview with The Kickass Entrepreneur, Kris Duggan gave his perspective on the mentoring relationship. He said, “Helping someone else work through a problem and kind of level up before your eyes is hugely rewarding.” He added that he hopes to “help [mentees] avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way.”
There’s much to gain from a business mentoring relationship. Having a trusted person standing behind you, giving you the honest truth, and pushing you to reach your ultimate potential can propel you further than you might realize.
How to Get a Business Mentor
Sometimes the mentor-mentee relationship happens naturally, sometimes it’s intentionally created by the organization you work for, and other times it must be sought out. If you fall into the latter category, consider the following:
Look at Your Own Professional Connections
You may not have many professional connections, and that’s totally normal for people who are seeking a business mentor. However, you might be surprised by how big your network really is when you take a closer look.
Consider reaching out to any business owners you may know through family or friends, or any you may have gotten to know through previous jobs. You can also look into a college alumni network or any connections made through an internship. Dig deep — you never know what you might find.
Go to Networking Events
Perhaps you have found that your network really is small and you have no great candidates for a mentor. In that case, it may be time to start building up your network. Going to networking events can help you cut to the chase in your search and connect you with like-minded people who can point you in the right direction.
Use SCORE
You can search for a mentor through SCORE. SCORE is an organization dedicated to helping small businesses thrive through education and mentoring opportunities. Browse through the website to find answers to your questions and start your search. This is perhaps the most direct way to acquire the type of mentor you’re looking for.
The Right Mentor Can Change Your Life
A great business mentor can give you all kinds of inside information that might take years to attain otherwise, but fostering a mentoring relationship is about more than that. They can give you the support, feedback, and confidence you need to find the success you’ve always dreamed of. Finding the right mentor can absolutely change your life.
