Ten Tips For Entrepreneurs Working With A Mentor

Finding a great mentor is one of the best ways to learn, to get feedback, and to take your start-up or small business to the next level. Here are ten tips for making the most of your mentoring relationships.

Tip #1

Self-assess. Ask yourself, "What skills do I need to get where I want to go?" Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need help and can't be the best at everything.

Tip #2

Identify your learning goals. Put them in writing and execute.

Tip #3

Decide together how the mentoring relationship will work - frequency and type of contact. Create time and space for the relationship to blossom.

Tip #4

Commit the time. Don't give up if the chemistry doesn't feel right at the first meeting. Meet a minimum of once per month. Touch base regularly - by e-mail, phone, in person. Make regular contact a priority.

Tip #5

Take time to build trust and communication. Get to know each other on a personal level. Discuss your backgrounds, interests, career histories, and perspectives of your organizations.

Tip #6

Keep confidences. Nothing kills trust in a mentoring relationship faster than a breach of confidence. Both parties need to openness that only a trusting relationship can provide.

Tip #7

Be sensitive to cultural and gender differences. Do a little homework. And listen. You learn a lot more by not talking and truly listening to what someone has to say.

Tip #8

Understand and plan for the phases of a mentoring relationship. Build in time for evaluation and closure. Accomplish your goals. Do not quit.

Tip #9

This is about learning, whether you're a protégé or a mentor. Keep a journal or document progression of the relationship.

Tip #10

You don't need a single mentor who you keep throughout your career. What you need is a mind-set that allows you to learn from those around you, no matter who they are.

In summary, to get ahead, create your own multitalented "board of advisors." Surround yourself with people who are better and smarter than you at specific tasks. Learn to listen and most importantly be humble by checking your ego at the door. For more information about working with a mentor visit www.EthosMentor.com.