Entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to work with business mentors.
They seek guidance to help them find their purpose and express their inner calling.
But here’s the catch — there’s not ONE person that can give you everything you need.
That’s right. One mentor cannot give you everything you need. Why? Because nobody knows everything — it’s that simple.
It turns on you need several business mentors
Different kinds of people to nudge you in the right direction. And no single person can do everything with or for you.
Personally, I have not found all six people to complete my business mentor circle. But I am working hard to find them.
As you can imagine, it is not a trivial mission to launch a startup — and for those who embark on this discovery, will understand the demand to start a business — it could take years before you achieve it.
It is important that you find your business mentors because they will make your journey more tolerable and even pleasant.
The end result, I believe will take you from good to great.
Mentor 1: The Master of your Craft
This is your ultimate sifu — your Yoda of all business mentors. This is a person who has accumulated their experience through years who can impart practical wisdom to help you fine-tune your skills.
This mentor will be your ally. They can help you identify and execute on your strengths towards your closest state of excellence.
Mentor 2: Your Partner in Crime
This is your #BFF. This is the mentor who is someone you can vent to when you get frustrated and LISTEN to you.
This mentor will collaborate and work with you through thick and thin.
They will also hold you accountable for your actions and decisions — but not without sound input to guide you with their insights.
Mentor 3: Your Anchor
This person is extremely important to have in your life.
When things go south, when you face uncertainties and hit those bumps, your mentor will be there for you to help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Because your anchor mentor has your best interest in mind, they will add a dose of reality and insights that will keep you focused and help you maintain your values.
Mentor 4: Your Champion
The people who can connect you, introduce you to new business, and advocate for you to their network.
As you grow your business, it is important to find mentors who can gain you access to people you may not be able to otherwise.
This mentor doesn’t even need to be versed in your industry. They are well-connected and believe in what you do without wavering.
Mentor 5: Your Devil’s Advocate
This is counter-intuitive to many people — and understandably so.
But, you don’t want to surround yourself with “yes men.” You need someone in your life who challenges you to bring out the best in you.
In fact, these people are rare. Why? Because most people will tell you what you want to hear. After all, you are the CEO/Founder.
It is as important to heed advice as much as take criticisms. And you need the “anti-mentor” to give you that healthy dose of reality.
Mentor 6: The Mentee-Mentor
Entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to work with business mentors.
They seek guidance to help them find their purpose and express their inner calling.
But here’s the catch — there’s not ONE person that can give you everything you need.
That’s right. One mentor cannot give you everything you need. Why? Because nobody knows everything — it’s that simple.
It turns on you need several business mentors
Different kinds of people to nudge you in the right direction. And no single person can do everything with or for you.
Personally, I have not found all six people to complete my business mentor circle. But I am working hard to find them.
As you can imagine, it is not a trivial mission to launch a startup — and for those who embark on this discovery, will understand the demand to start a business — it could take years before you achieve it.
It is important that you find your business mentors because they will make your journey more tolerable and even pleasant.
The end result, I believe will take you from good to great.
Mentor 1: The Master of your Craft
This is your ultimate sifu — your Yoda of all business mentors. This is a person who has accumulated their experience through years who can impart practical wisdom to help you fine-tune your skills.
This mentor will be your ally. They can help you identify and execute on your strengths towards your closest state of excellence.
Mentor 2: Your Partner in Crime
This is your #BFF. This is the mentor who is someone you can vent to when you get frustrated and LISTEN to you.
This mentor will collaborate and work with you through thick and thin.
They will also hold you accountable for your actions and decisions — but not without sound input to guide you with their insights.
Mentor 3: Your Anchor
This person is extremely important to have in your life.
When things go south, when you face uncertainties and hit those bumps, your mentor will be there for you to help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Because your anchor mentor has your best interest in mind, they will add a dose of reality and insights that will keep you focused and help you maintain your values.
Mentor 4: Your Champion
The people who can connect you, introduce you to new business, and advocate for you to their network.
As you grow your business, it is important to find mentors who can gain you access to people you may not be able to otherwise.
This mentor doesn’t even need to be versed in your industry. They are well-connected and believe in what you do without wavering.
Mentor 5: Your Devil’s Advocate
This is counter-intuitive to many people — and understandably so.
But, you don’t want to surround yourself with “yes men.” You need someone in your life who challenges you to bring out the best in you.
In fact, these people are rare. Why? Because most people will tell you what you want to hear. After all, you are the CEO/Founder.
It is as important to heed advice as much as take criticisms. And you need the “anti-mentor” to give you that healthy dose of reality.
Mentor 6: The Mentee-Mentor
Another counterpoint to your mentorship. As a business owner, you will at some point start to mentor someone else.
In those situations, have an open mind and be receptive to fresh ideas from your mentee.
Mentees will give you feedback on your style — that you can in turn reflect on and improve yourself so you can then thrive.
Grow your circle of six business mentors.
Of course a simple search on Google for “business mentors” will return many resources. But do you research before you anything. You don’t always have to pay someone to be your mentor or coach.
You can find free business resources like SCORE that is powered by the SBA.gov to gain access to confidential business advice through our network of 10,000 volunteer business experts.
Happy building and may you thrive in your business adventures.
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