Seven Steps To Finding The Right Business Mentor For The 21st Century

Technology moves so fast today that it’s easy to get bogged down in the chaos of everything that’s going on. The road to business success is almost always littered with obstacles. Some of them are internal hindrances, like self-doubt; sometimes they come from outside of you. In my experience, finding the right mentor is essential to overcoming these obstacles.

Even if you are already a successful entrepreneur, the right mentor can benefit your business. In the “The E-Myth,” (E for entrepreneurial) Michael E. Gerber says that the people who succeed in business don’t do so because of what they know, but because of their need to know more. The most successful people are those who are determined to get it right, no matter what it costs.

He goes on to say that the reason many small businesses fail is not because the owners don’t know enough, (“They don’t,” he says) but because “they think they know enough.” He also says that because they think that, they “spend their time defending what they know, rather than discovering what they don’t.”

Knowing what to say and how to say it while respecting another person’s needs and desires is essential in this industry. Knowing the appropriate technology to use in whatever your business is extremely important. Keeping your mind open to learning how new methods and up-to-date strategies is important today. The right mentor can lead you to the solutions you need. And, it must be one that can prepare you for your journey to business success in the 21^st century. Here are seven steps for seeking the mentor that is right for you.

Step One: Remember that the student chooses the mentor.

Even though in today’s marketing industries, the teacher or the mentor may search for clients, it is the protégé or student who ultimately decides who her or his mentor will be. It is not the other way around.

Step Two: What characteristics are important to you?

After several years of being in this industry and choosing many mentors, I realized that I couldn’t work with a mentor that was not in synch with my principles and values. Think about your own values and principles. Choose a mentor whose values match yours and whose teaching you are willing to follow.

Step Three: A mentor is a role model to emulate, not someone to worship.

The mentor should be one that you are proud to say that “this person is my mentor.” He or she has high standards and is respected for his or her integrity and honesty. If this is someone to you need to worship, you can’t get the real attention you need. You and your mentor should be able to look at each other as partners in this relationship.

Four: Choose a mentor who has “been there, done that.”

In other words, choose a mentor who has the experience and background in your industry. This person has been through the pitfalls and overcome many obstacles and can guide you through them so you don’t have to continue to make the same mistakes. This person may not have written books or sold DVDs and tapes, and may not be a motivational speaker. Yet they have specialized knowledge of how to make your business grow, because they have been in the trenches. The important thing is that he or she has become successful using the same methods being taught.

Five: Your mentor should motivate you to reach your highest potential.

Your mentor should have your interests at heart and be willing to counsel you in such as way that you feel inspired and encouraged to advance. The mentor should also help you develop your leadership capabilities, with a view toward helping someone else in the future.

Six: A mentor should give you the real truth about building your business.

Your mentor must be willing to share the real truth about how he or she built their business. They should not be hesitant how about teaching you how to have a massively profitable business. There should be no sugar coating or attempts to deceive you about what it really takes.

Step Seven: The mentor should be a person you can trust so you can be open about any questions or concerns you may have.

The mentor should be accessible to answer your questions and assist when you need help or make mistakes. He or she should help you develop your business skills set. They should be open to learning from you and listening to your ideas without feeling he or she has the only correct ideas. They should always be continuing to learn themselves.

In conclusion your mentor should have a positive effect on you. You should not come away from your interactions feeling disappointed or defeated. You should feel hope that your business can thrive. The mentor who can not help you build your business immediately is not worth your time or your money.

Cheers to your success

Angela Baden
AngelaBaden.com

206-350-2120