The relationship between an entrepreneur and a business mentor can be invaluable to entrepreneurs. But it can also be a fairly complex relationship that, from an outside perspective, begs the question, “Why do mentors do it?” Find out what motivates these mentors and how entrepreneurs can connect with them online.
While business mentors bring a depth of experience and industry knowledge to relationships with entrepreneurs, these men and women are life-long learners and appreciate the chance to work with savvy entrepreneurs who keep them abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies. They also get satisfaction out of sharing their experiences while enhancing their effectiveness as leaders.
“Great mentoring relationships allow both the mentor and mentee to refine their skills while developing new talents,” said Tiffan Clark, Marketing Vice President of JumpStart Inc., the venture development organization behind IdeaCrossing, a free online resource that connects entrepreneurs with investors and business mentors. “Mentors typically come away from the experience having revitalized their own passions and sharpened their insights.”
Many successful business professionals owe much of their success to mentors of their own, and seek opportunities to repay that generosity. “We’ve all been in a position where educated, practical guidance and insights could really have saved us time and money,” said Bob Bellin, a registered business mentor of IdeaCrossing. “Mentorship provides an opportunity to give back.”
Mentors are sincerely interested in fostering a mentee’s growth and giving back to their communities. Mentors such as Bellin say they receive tremendous satisfaction from sharing their experiences and guiding others down the path to success.
Making the mentorship connection Beyond referrals, online communities are a great resource for finding a business mentor or for finding a company to mentor. Niche Internet business communities like IdeaCrossing are dedicated to fostering relationships among entrepreneurs and members of the mentor and investor communities.
