Why Every Entrepreneur Needs A Mentor (Including You)
You might think you’re the most business-savvy person on your block, and indeed, you probably have the skills and the personality type to back it up. That doesn’t mean you’re ready to play in the big leagues just yet, however. Every entrepreneur starts out green, which is why it’s important to seek out a mentor that can help guide you through those rough patches that you’ll no doubt experience along your journey.
While anyone can overcome a challenge, the truth is that it can be costly to do so. Think of the time and money spent dealing with a problem that could have been solved simply by asking a mentor for advice. Never let pride get in the way of your progress, especially during those first few crucial years. Instead, allow your mentor to boost your confidence and turn you into a fully independent business whiz, with all the empowerment necessary to tackle whatever comes your way. Here’s a few reasons why mentors are so important while you pursue your career path.
THOSE FIRST STEPS
Chances are, you’ll start out a lone wolf on your path to greatness, with only yourself to turn to. You’re the Boss, and you’ll make all the decisions, but with no personnel (yet) or managers to turn to, those first few months (and sometimes years) can feel pretty daunting. Encouragement and advice becomes more important than ever, perhaps more so than any other stage in your entrepreneurial journey. Mentors can keep your spirits up, give you a warm smile while you’re walking through your insecurities and self-doubt, and kick your behind back into the game when you feel like giving up and hiding under the covers. Sure, friends and family can do the same thing, but only a mentor truly understands what you’re going through. If they made it, so can you.
EXPERIENCE TRUMPS ALL
Your education level could be platinum-grade, but there’s no replacing hands-on experience. Let’s face it - colleges and universities can’t prepare you for the anomalies of owning and running a business. Each one is different, with its own unique set of challenges that hinge on a multitude of factors, including location, demographics and competition (to name a few). Mentors have run the gauntlet and emerged intact on the other side, with valuable insight to share. Remember when your parents gave you solid life advice that you refused to take? Don’t make the same mistake in business. Entrepreneurs should listen to the wise wizards and sages that came before, and take their knowledge and recommendations to heart. They stepped on those garden rakes so you don’t have to.
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Mentors can turn into wonderful friends who are enthusiastic about paying their own success forward to you. That’s a win that money simply cannot buy, unless you’re willing to fork out thousands of dollars to hire a consultant. The other key takeaway of a great mentor is their social network. This is an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with the best and brightest existing and upcoming talent in the business, in an organic and friendly fashion. There’s no telling what kinds of opportunities and doors might open up, simply by meeting your mentor’s colleagues. Plus, it’s always great to hear warm and encouraging kudos and advice from like-minded entrepreneurs, particularly if they’re of the seasoned bunch.
PAYING IT FORWARD
You may be a green-belly right now, but you won’t stay one for long. As you gain more confidence and success, you’re going to feel more empowerment and determination to build your business. When you’ve gone from zero employees to one-hundred (and counting), you’re going to look back at your mentor and appreciate all the advice you were given along the way. That will be the perfect opportunity to become a mentor yourself, for an entirely fresh new entrepreneur just learning the ropes, and unsure if they can win out. You’ll remember every stage of your career, from the highs to the lows, and you’ll pass on that knowledge to a new generation. It’s all about helping each other achieve, and exceed our own potential. After all, that’s what a great mentor does!
City MOGULS takes great pride in our mentorship philosophy, which has led to the forging of our amazing ACCELERATOR program. We invite you to join up so that we can get to know you, and start guiding you around the challenges of being an entrepreneur.
