A mentor is someone you can turn to when a problem seems insurmountable, or if you need help handling aspects of your business that you’re unsure about. These experienced individuals can offer real-world experience that’s impossible to find on a search engine. Although entrepreneurship is thrilling because there’s no instruction manual, this lack of guidance may leave you overwhelmed and directionless. In this article, we’ll explain how to find a mentor that can help you grow your business and support you through any challenges you may face.
Finding a Mentor
Wondering how you can find a mentor that’s aligned with your business outlook, industry, and goals? Finding the right mentor is like dating. A mentor and mentee should share similar interests, feel hopeful about their relationship’s potential, and be prepared to commit.
Beginning this search may feel daunting. After all, approaching someone you admire professionally and asking for their time can be intimidating. But, acting as a mentor is something that most business leaders are happy to do. Many of them benefitted from mentorship early on, and it’s their opportunity to pay it forward. Plus, it can help them refine their leadership skills, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to look within to make necessary changes.
If you’re considering this path, here’s how to find a mentor to grow your business:
1. Practice Your Elevator Pitch
No matter what stage your business is in, you must provide a compelling reason why an experienced entrepreneur should invest their time to mentor you. You should be able to deliver an elevator pitch that demonstrates your vision, goals, and plan of action. Enlist the help of friends and family to act as an audience while you practice your pitch.
2. Check out Mentorship Websites
There are websites that list successful entrepreneurs available to mentor you on an as-needed or one-time basis. Though, this depends on your industry. These services are helpful for those seeking advice on a specific topic but don’t want to have a formal, long-term mentorship relationship.
For limited-term access to mentorship-style services, visit Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of BC and Yukon, and the Association of Corporate Growth (ACGBC).
3. Find a Mentor from Professional Organizations
Plenty of non-profit organizations offer mentorship connection programs as part of their mission to help entrepreneurs succeed. These organizations often screen mentors and mentees, creating pairs based on exhaustive research.
Futurpreneur offers one of Canada’s largest programs of this type, connecting young entrepreneurs with a host of potential mentorship options in their industry. Additionally, women entrepreneurs can tap into a similar service offered by the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs.
4. Find a Mentor in Your Network
Many entrepreneurs find mentors within their networks. Whether you’ve met them in person, connected through LinkedIn, or they’re someone you admire from afar, the approach should be the same.
The key to finding a natural relationship with someone in your network is finding a person who indicates they want to help you. You can ask them a few questions, and if they show a willingness to help on a more regular basis, that may be a sign they’re willing to be your mentor. It’s all about sensing what the other person wants to offer and whether you’re a good fit as their mentee.
Small Business BC is Here to Help
SBBC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Whatever your idea of success is, we’re here to provide holistic support and resources at every step of the journey. Check out our range of business webinars, on-demand E-Learning Education, our Talk to an Expert Advisories, or browse our business articles.
