Resources How to Find a Mentor

Starting a business is one of the hardest things you’ll do. When things go well, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can possibly have.

But if you don’t have a killer support network to help you through the hard times and celebrate the wins, it can get pretty lonely.

And we’re not just talking about family and friends (though they matter a lot) — we’re talking about informal and formal advisors, mentors, peers and even colleagues, who know what starting up is actually like.

Both the ugly, scary parts (like the late nights working alone) and, later, the wins: the reason you’re so elated over, say, a term sheet … or an awesome new hire you’ve been gunning for.

Mentors are the people who can steer you in the right direction. They can tell you when your idea is crazy good or just plain crazy. They can help you get to the point where you even know how to look at a term sheet or an employment contract.

And they can help you make the right connections to the people who may someday change the course of your business — investors, other mentors, potential partners, future colleagues.

Ask any entrepreneur: Mentors and advisors are the unsung heroes of starting up. 

Here’s how to find yours:

Step 1: Get out there.

Step 2: Know what a good mentor looks like for YOU — and how to ask for it.

Step 3: Make the relationship work — for you, AND for your mentor.

Finally, remember this: collecting advice isn’t enough. You have to learn by doing — so get out there and prove yourself.

Resources

Resources How to Find a Mentor

Starting a business is one of the hardest things you’ll do. When things go well, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can possibly have.

But if you don’t have a killer support network to help you through the hard times and celebrate the wins, it can get pretty lonely.

And we’re not just talking about family and friends (though they matter a lot) — we’re talking about informal and formal advisors, mentors, peers and even colleagues, who know what starting up is actually like.

Both the ugly, scary parts (like the late nights working alone) and, later, the wins: the reason you’re so elated over, say, a term sheet … or an awesome new hire you’ve been gunning for.

Mentors are the people who can steer you in the right direction. They can tell you when your idea is crazy good or just plain crazy. They can help you get to the point where you even know how to look at a term sheet or an employment contract.

And they can help you make the right connections to the people who may someday change the course of your business — investors, other mentors, potential partners, future colleagues.

Ask any entrepreneur: Mentors and advisors are the unsung heroes of starting up. 

Here’s how to find yours:

Step 1: Get out there.

Step 2: Know what a good mentor looks like for YOU — and how to ask for it.

Step 3: Make the relationship work — for you, AND for your mentor.

Finally, remember this: collecting advice isn’t enough. You have to learn by doing — so get out there and prove yourself.

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