As an entrepreneur, you know how important it is to have mentors and advisors who can guide you, challenge you, and support you on your journey. But where can you find them? How can you approach them? And what can you expect from them? In this article, we'll explore some of the best sources and strategies for finding and working with mentors and advisors for your business.
One of the most common ways to find mentors and advisors is to network with people who are in your industry, niche, or field of interest. You can attend events, join online communities, or reach out to potential contacts via email or social media. The key is to be genuine, curious, and respectful. Don't ask for favors or advice right away. Instead, build rapport, share your story, and offer value. You might find someone who is willing to mentor you, or someone who can introduce you to a mentor or advisor.
I have personally found it best to reach out to alumni from my college. They are easy to reach out to and if they have experience in the relevant field they generally open up easily and give you true candid feedback.
Another way to find mentors and advisors is to join a program or organization that matches you with them. There are many options available, depending on your goals, stage, and needs. For example, you can apply for an accelerator, incubator, or fellowship that provides mentorship and coaching as part of their services. You can also join a professional association, a trade group, or a chamber of commerce that connects you with experienced members. Or you can sign up for a platform, a course, or a mastermind that offers mentorship and feedback as part of their curriculum.
I have reached out to strangers on LinkedIn and although they have been kind enough to connect and talk I found them to be guarded in their responses.
A third way to find mentors and advisors is to seek feedback and referrals from people who have worked with you, invested in you, or supported you in some way. These could be your customers, your partners, your suppliers, your investors, your mentors, or your advisors. They know you and your business well, and they might have valuable insights or contacts to share with you. You can ask them for feedback on your challenges, opportunities, or goals, and see if they have any recommendations or introductions for mentors or advisors who can help you.
Apart from alumni, I have sometimes reached out to people on LinkedIn through some common connection and it has been helpful. I guess what is very important in seeking advice from someone is to tell them exactly what your problem is. Asking for general advice is no good. One should prepare the questions beforehand.
Before you approach or work with any mentor or advisor, you need to define your expectations and goals. What do you want to learn from them? What kind of support do you need? How often do you want to communicate with them? How will you measure your progress and success? These questions will help you clarify what you are looking for, and what you can offer in return. You should also be respectful of their time, expertise, and boundaries. Don't expect them to solve your problems for you, or to give you free advice all the time. Instead, be prepared, be proactive, and be grateful.
As I get ready for a mentoring meeting, I make sure I have a clear topic to delve into. However, what truly matters is how we conclude our session. I find it valuable to recap what we've discussed, highlight areas for deeper exploration, and jot down my main insights. This practice serves as a wonderful way to solidify the valuable insights shared, leaving me with a sense of enrichment, growth, and expansion.
Finally, you need to be open and flexible when finding and working with mentors and advisors. You might not find the perfect match right away, or you might find more than one person who can help you in different ways. You might also need to change or adapt your relationship as your business grows or evolves. Be open to learning from different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Be flexible to adjust your expectations, goals, and communication styles. And be willing to give and receive feedback, criticism, and praise.
Finding and working with mentors and advisors can be one of the most rewarding and beneficial aspects of your entrepreneurial journey. They can provide you with guidance, wisdom, and support that can help you overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve your goals. By following the tips in this article, you can find the best mentors and advisors for your business, and build lasting and meaningful relationships with them.