Question: What quality or skill should a first-time founder look for in a mentor?
Question: What quality or skill should a first-time founder look for in a mentor?
Question: What quality or skill should a first-time founder look for in a mentor?
Passion for Your Business
"You can find someone who has all the relevant experience in the world, but if they don't have a passion for what you're doing, they won't be very likely to help you. We have a mentor who has a lot of experience in tech, which isn't relevant to what we do. But his passion and desire to learn about the food business has made him invaluable."
@LisaCurtis
Heart of a Teacher and a Good Track Record
"Dave Ramsey said it best: don't take advice from anyone who doesn't have the heart of a teacher. If someone isn't passionate about truly helping you, that's a red flag right there. Secondly, don't take advice from someone with a bad or no track record. Seek advice and mentorship from someone who is where you want to be."
@stevennewlon
Time and Objectivity
"Motivated mentors are only great if they have the time to help when needed. I'm sure the President could be a great mentor, but he'd have no time for you. Schedule your chats. In your team, dedication is most important, but mentors are the outsiders looking in. They need to give you the viewpoint you don't have. They have the distance to see the big picture."
Industry Knowledge and Connections
"A mentor should be someone who not only can give you objective feedback, but someone who can get you off the ground fast in the industry you are attacking. Look for a mentor who can provide industry insights and, more importantly, has the necessary connections to expand your network."
@oconnellryan
