Do you remember when, during your studies, whether in high school or college, you needed extra support in a subject and you sought help through tutoring? Well, in entrepreneurship, we find a figure similar to a tutor. We are talking about the mentor, a key piece in the future of an entrepreneurial adventure that has just begun.
Having the support of a mentor can greatly impact the performance of a novice entrepreneur. A mentor is an expert in some sector or someone that has previously undertaken entrepreneurial projects and now serves as a reference and guide for those just starting out in their business journey. But, how can you find one?
The benefits of having a mentor
A mentor, having previously been in similar situations or being an expert in some fundamental area of the entrepreneurial world, has the needed experience and knowledge to guide new entrepreneurs in different aspects such as marketing or finance. That’s the reason why having a mentor that accompanies you during the first steps brings numerous benefits.
- Provides business advice. Mentors are usually experts in a specific area, but have general knowledge of entrepreneurship. For this reason, they can advise you on the planning and launching of your startup, as well as guide you in various matters from securing funding to gaining visibility,
- Expands your network. Mentors are people who have been in the business world for several years, so they often have an extensive network of contacts. Therefore, if you have a good relationship with your mentor you will probably have access to valuable connections with more professionals in the sector.
- Different perspectives. It’s always beneficial to be open to new points of view. Relying solely on your own can make you more prone to mistakes. Having a mentor gives you a new perspective, and having someone that challenges you and opens your mind to new ideas out of your comfort zone.
- Growth. A mentor helps you grow not only professionally but also personally. They push you to overcome obstacles and encourage you to expand your horizons and perspectives.
How to find it?
After reading all this, you'll be looking forward to having a mentor that accompanies you. So here you have some tips on how to find one:
- Attend industry events. One of the keys of entrepreneurship is making contacts and one of the ways of achieving this is by going to every industry event you can. These are great opportunities for networking and meeting relevant people for your company, including potential mentors.
- Search on LinkedIn. This platform is of great value for professionals, it allows you to find people of your sector and potential mentors. Have a good profile and stay active. Don’t hesitate to connect with relevant individuals and build a powerful contact network.
- Acceleration programs. Another way to find mentors is by joining an acceleration program such as La Lonja de la Innovación, which provides numerous resources to boost your startup's growth. Additionally, it has a team of expert mentors in various fields to guide you along the way.
We didn’t want to leave without giving you some tips for finding the best mentor for you. Make sure they are experts in their field, that you feel comfortable with them, and that they know how to listen and show genuine interest in your goals and project.