Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

I agree wholeheartedly with Scott Allen over at About.com on this one.  If you are an entrepreneur, the answer is undoubtedly YES, you need a mentor!  Everyone needs a trusted advisor who has a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share.  Everyone needs a sounding board, a confidante to brainstorm with, and a person who will be blunt enough to (kindly) tell you if you are totally off-target.  Many times you can get this from various folks in your network of family, friends and colleagues. 

Creating a formal mentor relationship, however, is different, and offers more consistent benefits.  Individuals who choose to become mentors understand that the relationship offers benefits to them as well as you.  They will presumably only agree to become your mentor if they have the time, willingness, and urge to share in your trials and triumphs as you create and build your own business.  They can, and will, learn from you, just as you absorb their offerings.

Keep in mind that the creation of such a relationship can be time-consuming for both of you.  It is important to sit down and think out what you expect of your potential mentor and to select someone who will have the time and energy to devote to meeting with you at appropriate times.

It's also important to remember that this person, while they may ask about your personal life at times, is not there to share the soap opera that your life may be.  This is a professional relationship and should be treated as one.  The mentor relationship may well become a true friendship, or may come of a friendship, but in general one should treat this as a student-teacher relationship or an important business alliance.  (And of course, it's both!)

Ready to choose a mentor?  Here are some things to think through before you approach someone with your request.  Don't know anyone offhand who would make a good mentor?  The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) might be able to find the perfect person.  (Plus they'll let you ask questions via email right there at their website!)

Have you already had a mentor in your life who led you well up the path to business success?  Take a few minutes to tell me about him or her.  How did you choose your mentor?  (Or did they choose you?)  How formal was the relationship?  How often did you meet, and what issues did you receive the most help about? 

We'll tackle these concepts in upcoming posts, so be sure to share what you know.  Who knows?  Maybe you could become another visitor's mentor!