Did you know that the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, accredits his success to his mentor Warren Buffet? Even the richest man in the world needed a mentor from whom he could get insights on building his business. Whether you are starting a new business or looking for opportunities for growth, a mentor provides business advice, encouragement, and the necessary support. If you’ve ever wondered how to find the right mentor, keep on reading.
A business mentor is a person who has significant entrepreneurial experience so that you are able to hone your abilities and take up new challenges with confidence. Although it is easier today to get some advice over the Internet and to read stories of successful people, you need someone who understands your business and its needs. You need a mentor who works closely with you and provides valuable insights to improve your business strategy, to improve your networking and to help you understand why something is not working.
How to Find a Business Mentor
According to Richard Branson, the founder of virgin airlines, the first step to find the right mentor is to acknowledge that you need one. Whether your business is new or established, having a mentor empowers you and helps your business grow. Let us look at the tips to find a good mentor.
Be Clear About What You want
Every business has a different need. If have just started out you need someone who has a wide range of expertise and skills. However, you need to make sure that you are comfortable with the person you choose.
You should know what to expect before looking out for someone. Start by asking yourself a couple of questions. What is the vision that you have for your business? Do you know what are your strengths and weaknesses? Is there any specific quality that you are looking for in your mentor? Knowing the answers to these questions will give you an idea of the sort of the person you are looking forward to as a mentor.
Look for the Qualities of a Good Mentor
In the business world it is difficult to know someone whom you can trust with information, so a good mentor is a person who is trustworthy and reliable. Also, he should be someone that you respect so that you value his opinions.
Your mentor should also be successful in the area that you want to grow in, so that you get the necessary insights. People who are passionate about their work are good mentors because they feel the need to teach about their craft. Apart from these qualities, your mentor should be a good listener. He should listen to your problems not to give you a solution but to help you to arrive at one.
Find a Person who is Available When You are in Need
Staying regularly in touch with your mentor helps you in staying motivated. A weekly meeting would be the best in the initial stages however, later on you may need less time. It is important that your mentor has the time when you need his help and he is committed to mentoring you.
Meet the Potential Mentors
Start asking your family, friends if they know people with the qualities that you are seeking. The next step is to follow up with your potential mentor. Meet up with them over coffee and have a conversation about your business, the goals and vision that you have, and also whether you feel that you two have a chemistry. You need not settle for the first person you meet but keep meeting more people until you are convinced that a person can be a good mentor to you. Learning how to find the right mentor and selecting the perfect one for you is a process, so stay patient.
