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While preparing to write this blog we did a fun exercise to get the ball rolling and to get us thinking about what to look for in mentorship. The tough question was asked, who would be the top 5 of the greatest fictional mentors? Think about it now, if you’re starting a business, who would you want in your corner with you? This was our list, but who would be in yours?

The ideology made famous by Jim Rohn “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with” is widely known. Here at DoBiz, we would like to extend that philosophy to the entrepreneurial world that – You are the average of the 5 mentors you spend the most time with. The type of mentality you have when faced with adversity, opportunity, struggle, growth, and all other aspects of business is a direct reflection of the mentorship you have seeked after. Ergo the need for a strong relationship with someone that will put you on the right path is crucial for anyone wanting to succeed in their business ideas. 

For every business idea, mentors can help with big decisions that could alter the course of the company and even smaller detailed ones that foster day-to-day growth. Some can help foster certain partnerships through their network. For every idea, There is an optimal path that will lead to a sustainable, profitable business. Experienced mentors can help guide you on your entrepreneurial journey 

For example, two options to locate your business are available. One location is less expensive, but potentially would not be seen by your target customer as much. The more expensive option may have more exposure to customers; however, available funding would be used faster if the more expensive location does not draw enough additional customers.

Which location should you choose? 

These kinds of decisions which optimize available time and money come up often in all phases of starting, launching and growing a business. A good mentor is invaluable in helping to evaluate these types of situations. Meeting with one or more mentors consistently should be part of your strategy.

What if there was someone who had been down a similar path you are traveling? What if that someone had started a similar business and would be willing to help give you insight into important decisions such as where to locate customers? These people exist. They are called mentors and DoBiz can assist in helping you locate a good mentor!

How to Find Mentors 

We recommend that you seek out a mentor that is ready and willing to help you stay as close to the optimal path as possible. The best place to find a mentor is right here at DoBiz.  

Federal and local governments also provide mentors to entrepreneurs. The following are a few of the public mentor organizations:

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

SBDCs are partnerships primarily between the government and colleges/universities administered by the Small Business Administration that aims at giving educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. SBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems and feasibility studies. Click here for more information.

• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small business start, grow and succeed nationwide. It is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Headquartered in Virginia and Washington, DC, SCORE has over 10,000 volunteers nationwide consisting of retired executives and business owners who donate time and expertise as business mentors. Click here for more information.

Other Ways To Find Mentors

• Linkedin
  • Find someone who has done something similar or who is of like mindedness and reach out to them.
• Use meetup groups to network
• Join a professional association
• Go to events in your field
• Youtube
  • The unlimited amount of resources youtube has to offer is astounding. There is a well of knowledge from all kinds of mentors that does not have a end in sight.

 

 

Working with Mentors

It is important to establish a good relationship with a mentor so that he or she will feel comfortable offering the best advice and help possible. Do not expect your mentor to have answers to all of your questions. Furthermore, do not expect him or her to work as hard as you will to find answers. A mentor is there to brainstorm with you, give you advice, and counsel you. 

Most successful people do not mind teaching others how to fish, but if you are seeking out mentorship, you can not be going in expecting a whole fish sandwich. You have to be willing to accept the advice of what you are given from a mentor and put in the work. 

The following is a couple of tips about how to conduct the relationship with a mentor:

Meet regularly

In the formative stage of evaluating and launching your idea, DoBiz recommends that you meet with your mentor at least every two weeks, if not more often, to make sure he or she is up to speed not only on the high level concepts but on the details as well.

Trust your mentor

You may perhaps be given advice that does not make immediate sense to you or seems overly difficult. Trust in your mentor. He or she has been down a path very similar to yours. Work to understand where the mentor is coming from as he or she is giving you advice.

Value your mentor

 Your mentor is taking valuable time to help you succeed. Take every chance you can to show him or her that you appreciate the help you are receiving. Thank your mentor verbally, write letters and/or cards, and give credit to their help when you succeed. Gratitude is one of the main attributes of success for every entrepreneur.

Write a Mentor Bio

You should include a short bio of your mentor(s) in your business plan. Doing so will strengthen the capacity of your business to succeed in the eyes of readers (lenders, investors, partners, etc.). The following is a short list of tips for writing a bio:

• Be concise
• Write in the third person (instead of “I” and “me,” write “he” or “she”)
• Include only relevant skills and experience to the type of business you are starting
• Write and revise several drafts
• Click on the “resources” button to see sample bios
• Work with a mentor/advisor to develop the bio

A mentor can be an invaluable resource in helping your business stay as close to the optimal path as possible and we recommend that you find one to help you through the DoBiz process. 

Here is a list of The 5 best fictional mentors ever:

• Uncle Iroh –
  • “While it is always best to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing.”
  • “It’s important to draw wisdom from many different places… if we take it from only one place it becomes rigid and stale.”
  • “Good times become good memories, but bad times make good lessons.”
  • “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again.”

• Master Oogway
  • “If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now.”
  • “You are the master of your destiny: No one and nothing can come in between you and your destiny except you. Take destiny by the horns and have fun.”

• Professor Albus Dumbledore
  • “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
  • “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”

• Professor X (Charles Xavier)
  • “The greatest power on Earth is the magnificent power we all of us possess… the power of the human brain!”
  • “Just Because Someone Stumbles And Loses Their Way Doesn’t Mean They’re Lost Forever.”

• Morpheus
  • “I Can Only Show You The Door. You’re The One That Has To Walk Through It.”
  • “You have to let it all go Neo, – fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind!”