A mentor can play a very important role in the entrepreneurial development of an individual. They will often guide entrepreneurs from business conception to product development and through to business growth. An entrepreneur may need different mentoring support and skill development depending on the type of entrepreneur they are, their personality traits or decision-making style and the phase at which they are now.
Finding a mentor is not always easy and studies have shown that women often have a more difficult time finding mentors than men do. Regardless of whether you are male or female when you find a good mentor, you do not want to let them go!
Here are five tips to keep the relationship with a mentor going strong.
- Put guidelines in place at the beginning of the relationship.
Determine what kind of interaction the two of you will have so you can manage expectations on both sides of the relationship. Will you meet in person or communicate via phone or email? How much time will be available and will it be on a weekly, monthly or maybe even a quarterly basis? Most people who decide to mentor entrepreneurs are busy people themselves so make sure to respect and never abuse the time that is gifted to you.
Be upfront with your objectives for the relationship and always remember that it is your responsibility, not theirs, to stick to them.
- Give and take.
A successful mentoring relationship is built on give and take. It is a two-way street so while you are looking to your mentor for guidance and advice do not simply smile, nod your head and then leave with it – make sure you show your gratitude.
Be interested in and have a conversation with your mentor. They too have difficulties in their careers so do not be shy about sharing your own knowledge with them when you feel you have something to offer. You might have come across an article related to something you talked about that you think might be of value or experienced a similar situation yourself. A give and take exchange will help to deepen your relationship and make sure you both leave the table with something helpful!
- Think outside of the four walls.
While your mentor is a businessperson and it is a professional relationship, it does not mean that you always have to meet in an office environment. By getting to know your mentor, you might find something that both of you enjoy doing and you can integrate it into your meeting times. Possibly the two of you enjoy walking in the park and you agree to meet over the lunch hour to stretch your legs and talk. Sometimes a change in scenery can make all the difference!
- Be friendly.
Remember that your mentor is a person just like you so be friendly and approachable. Some of my relationships with my mentors have turned into ones I will have for a lifetime and I am forever grateful with how they have developed in my life. This will not happen with everyone and that is to be understood, but sometimes meeting up for a casual get-together can really help to strengthen your bond.
- Expect that sometimes they will push your buttons.
One of the reasons why entrepreneurs seek out mentors is to be challenged to be a better individual and businessperson. Expect that the more time you spend with your mentor, the more they will come to know and understand you better and that will give them an insight into your strengths and areas for development. Although it is not always easy to receive feedback, a good mentor will know how to give it to you so it will help you to grow and go. They way you receive and process their feedback is up to you.
Many entrepreneurs go into business for themselves because they want to be the one running the show, but being in business for yourself does not always mean it has to be a lonely journey! Having good mentors in your life that you can discuss successes and challenges with will help to make that road feel less solitary.
Good luck as you continue on your entrepreneurial journey!