The Importance of a Mentor in an Entrepreneurial Journey Look for a mentor who has a proven track record in an industry closely related to yours.

By Rikant Pittie

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Entrepreneurship is a journey; your strategy is your map, and your mentor is your compass! Embarking on the entrepreneurial pathway is both exciting and challenging. The thrill and joy of your dream turning into reality are unmatchable, but roadblocks and uncertainties might hinder your road to success. However, sailing in an unchartered territory will become easy and smooth if you have the right mentor.

MENTORSHIP HELPS ENTREPRENEURS ACHIEVE THEIR VISION

When you are building your dream venture, you have a plan, longterm strategy, team, capital, and resources. But there's one crucial factor that could make or break your journey: mentorship. Indeed, some prefer to walk on this path alone, but having a mentor in your journey adds immense value.

A mentor provides valuable advice, insights, and support based on their own experiences. They guide you through thick and thin, providing effective solutions to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business. It could be as small a recommendation as the kind of interiors your office should have or as big a decision as to which candidate to hire among the pool of candidates; mentors provide you with honest feedback and suggestions.

Everything that they say and suggest is based on their own experiences. Given their expertise and experience, they can help you connect with valuable resources and people in their network. The bottom line is that a mentor is not just an advisor and teacher, but also a friend and confidante.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MENTOR

Choosing the right mentor is a critical decision that can have a profound impact on your entrepreneurial journey. Begin your search in your existing professional and personal network. Connect with them and share your business idea, vision, mission, and goals. You can also participate in local networking events both online and offline to connect with potential mentors. Additionally, you can leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to find your mentor. You should attend industry events like conferences, summits, workshops, etc., and keep an eye out for any prospective matches.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make this decision in an informed manner:

A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL WILL BRING MATURITY AND INSIGHTS TO THE TABLE

Look for a mentor who has a proven track record in an industry closely related to yours. Their industry-specific knowledge can help you understand the nuances of the market, anticipate challenges, and prepare you for the future. Simultaneously, they should be able to offer advice from a holistic perspective.

BUILDING A SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MENTOR IS A MUST

You need to ensure that your mentor's values and goals align with your vision. This synergy and collaborative approach will build mutual understanding and respect and eventually lay the foundation for a healthy connection. You should choose to partner with a person with whom you are comfortable sharing your thoughts, ideas, and opinions, and you are confident that you will receive constructive and honest feedback

Rikant Pittie

Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip

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