At the forefront of every entrepreneurial
venture are two certainties: the conception of an idea and the desire for seamless
execution. Everything else is a mere combination of fear, inexperience,
ignorance, and zeal. Although this
disposition can be unforgiving, it is a part of the courageous discourse of
entrepreneurship that every entrepreneur encounters and often overcomes. For
example, entrepreneurship is theoretically equivalent to preparing for war; you
know you want to fight, the foreseeable outcome is winning, but executing that
victory is jumbled in your lack of experience as a fighter, the fear that it
may kill you, and jumping head first into a situation with inadequate
preparation. Fortunately, proactive and preventative resources exist to
minimize the risk of failure when taking on the battle of business. More
specifically, mentorship is a key weapon capable of optimizing success in the
realm of entrepreneurship.
Mentorship, although commonly undermined
and underestimated, places you in a position of observation (and in some
instances, participation), allowing you to become more familiar with the craft
or career of your choosing. Consider this: having a single conversation with an
individual who has soldiered through the trenches of entrepreneurship can spark
myriad ideas and transform the way you approach your own business. Imagine
then, what magnitude a series of conversations throughout your journey can
yield when you answer the call into the world of start-ups. In fact, don’t just
imagine; having a mentor should be attached to any business idea that you
intend to pursue, so much so, that the idea should be impossible to fulfill
without one.
The benefit of being a
protégé to a professional who can enlighten you far outweighs the cost of
seeking the right mentor (it can be an intimidating and daunting process
finding the right person who is willing to work with you as much as you are
willing to work with them). In a 2003 study conducted by Jackson et al., it was
reported that mentoring relationships are key to developing productive careers
and yield personal satisfaction for both the mentor and the protégé. The
ability to have someone who can critique your ideas, give you constructive
criticism, and encourage you along the way can eliminate potential setbacks
that derive from error. This is not to say that you won’t make mistakes,
because you will. However, there is a safety net the works both proactively and
retroactively to activate damage control. “Mentors provide a safe, secure
culture in which protégés can develop ideas/innovations, ensuring that they
receive the recognition their efforts deserve”.
Once you’ve come to terms with the
necessity of a mentor/mentee relationship for any startup or entrepreneurial
endeavor, “the search” must commence. The search is simply finding someone who
is adequate enough to lead you and humble enough to be challenged. Equally
important is your connection—how well your personality gels—with the
professional. Research suggests that mentor relationships are best formed in
unprofessional environments. Perhaps
find common interests and build on those first. Finally, seek someone that can
contribute effectively to the circle of inspiration; you inspire him and he
inspires you. Mentors gravitate towards rising stars, so show why you deserve
to be among and even transcend them.
Entrepreneurship will never be easy, but if
you’re prepared you can handle whatever it throws in your direction. Look at it
this way: You would never show up to war without your weapon and expect a
victory, let alone an easy one, so don’t show up for business without the right
tools expecting success to fall in your lap.
