If you are new to being an entrepreneur, or unclear whether you are a good candidate for having a mentor, here is an idea on how you can test the waters without getting wet.
There are many excellent teachers and leaders in all areas of life.
These individuals cover the universe of entrepreneurship.
Many of them have available CDs, DVDs and workbooks covering topics from real-estate, to personal growth, to opening a franchise, to joining a network marketing company, to operating a pet sitting service, and so on.
You can research your area of interest, find out who the top people are in that area, then search for an at home or on-line course on the skills you need to acquire proficiency in your chosen area.
Invest in the course. In other words, buy it. It is not a question of how much it cost. Entrepreneurs think in terms of investment and returns on investments.
Many of these virtual mentoring programs have step-by-step workbooks that will walk you through the fundamentals. Then, when you do decide to seek out a mentor you will be ahead of the game by having already developed a basic understanding of your chosen industry
You can then in private and at your own pace decide if having a real mentor fits your personality and plan of action.
Are you coachable?
Do you follow directions?
Are you willing to take time to carry out assignments and exercises?
If so, you can demonstrate to your mentor that you have an ability to commit time and effort in your professional development having already done so.
You will be able to approach a mentor with a clear concept of how you would like to structure a mentoring relationship.
You’ll know the areas to focus on, and be able to give your prospective mentor an idea of the time commitment.
This will also give you credibility in the mind of the mentor and show that you are serious.
Time is the most valuable asset of everyone. If you are asking someone to mentor you, you want to give him or her a high degree of confidence that the time spent together will be time well spent.
It may not be possible to guarantee results but effort can certainly be guaranteed. Make the mentoring relationship valuable for both of you.
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Other great resources for asking someone to be your mentor:
You… Just Like Clark Kent. Glasses… No Glasses.
How To Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor By Email – Part II of The Joel Comm Project
Are You Ready for a Mentor? Will a Mentor Be a Good Fit?
Approaching Someone to be Your Mentor
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor
Top 5 Ways to Find a Mentor
5 Top Strategies for Asking Someone to Be Your Mentor
Richard Banta, co-creator of BigFishTopDogs.com, has law degrees from the George Washington University and the London School of Economics, as well as street level experience as an entrepreneur, and an entrepreneur’s attorney. He is a skier, coach, attorney, entrepreneur, network marketer and blogger. You can follow him on twitter @bigfishtopdogs.
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