Mentors: How to choose the right one

In a nutshell, business mentors can help you develop your ideas for business knowledge and growth by sharing their skills, expertise, experience and contacts.

You may already be working with a mentor, however, if you are ‘in the market’ for a mentor then this feature gives practical advice on finding the right person for you and your business.

Sarah Brockwell

It’s often said that a good mentor should be like a ‘critical friend’ but what does that actually mean?  Here are some important questions to consider…..

TOP TEN QUESTIONS TO FIND THE RIGHT MENTOR

  1. Has the mentor even owned/managed his/her own business?
  2. Is the mentor well connected/networked?
  3. Is the mentor aware of the latest business grants/loans and finance initiatives?
  4. Will the mentor hold you accountable for the actions that he/she suggests?
  5. Does the mentor have a proven track record of success? (E.g. with client case studies)
  6. How accessible is your mentor? (E.g. face-to-face, Skype, telephone, email?)
  7. Will the mentor set realistic and ambitious goals for you?
  8. Does the mentor share your vision – for both your business and its industry?
  9. How ‘innovative’ is the mentor?
  10. Does the mentor have access to co-mentors with specialist and complementary skill sets?

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