Articles Index

Working with a Business Mentor
Once you have chosen your mentor, the fun has just begun! A great mentor will become not only your advisor, but likely your friend and confidante, as well. That doesn't happen instantly, though. Building trust and personal interest takes time. You set the tone at the outset of the relationship by demonstrating your commitment to the process. How, then, can you best establish the base on which to build a solid mentoring relationship?

The Value of a Business Mentor
Your friends and family, the Web, periodicals, and even casual acquaintances can provide you with a steady daily flow of information regarding news, industry developments, and opportunities. Industry analysts, consultants, employees, and good networking contacts can share their expert knowledge with you regarding particular situations and needs you may encounter. But only a mentor can truly share wisdom with you on an ongoing basis.

Choosing a Business Mentor (and Getting Them to Choose You)
Now that you've decided you want a business mentor and understand the value of having one, how do you go about finding the right one? It all depends on how selective you want to be. A number of Web sites and organizations offer free mentoring. Some will offer a great deal of information about your potential mentors, while others simply match you with whoever is available. Once you have someone, in mind, remember, you're asking for a lot — show them you're serious and will respect their time.