Bluffton small businesses are always seeking ways to improve and grow their businesses, and having access to local mentors is a critical part of that growth. Mentors are seasoned professionals who have “been there, done that.” They’ve likely already had success in starting their own business, possess the specific expertise you lack and are direct but supportive. From insightful advice to moral support, having one or more experienced guides by your side can give you an enormous advantage. The DRCI has a program that can provide mentors to our local business owners through their multiple programs that are available.
But how do you separate the people who would make great mentors from those who just want to pitch in their two cents? Ask yourself these five questions to know if you’ve found the right mentor.
- Do they align with your goals? Finding the right mentor for you will largely depend on what you expect to get out of the relationship. Are you looking for someone to walk you through the startup process step-by-step, or do you need a shoulder to lean on when times get tough?
- Do you share common values? Just like any personal or professional relationship, you and your mentor should have common values and a shared vision for your business.
- Is there a clear line of communication? Communication is vital in all professional situations – including mentor/mentee relationships. Some people are great at what they do but not effective at teaching others. Keep an eye out for people who explain things in roundabout ways, provide minimal details, or whose email responses are few and far between.
- Do they challenge you? If not, this person isn’t the right mentor for you. You won’t learn anything new if your mentor doesn’t get you to consider new perspectives.
- What’s their track record? There’s nothing wrong with learning alongside other new entrepreneurs (in fact, we encourage it), but a mentor should be someone who has a few success stories under their belt.
At the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, they believe that having a great mentor makes all the difference in ensuring growth and success in your business. When you sign up for one of their programs, you will be matched with a mentor in your industry who has years (if not decades) of relevant experience to share. They will provide you with all the business expertise, support, and contacts you need to gain an edge in your field.