Do you have a mentor?

The best mentors are developed organically and cultivated. I have a couple, but it isn't a discussed, official relationship. I just know that if I have a question I can reach out to them for honest feedback. 

One was an old supervisor, who was always positive and candid. I occassionally reach out to say hi, and ask one or two questions. It isn't often, but every couple months. 

The other is an older business professional, who has a unique perspective after 30 years of work. 

They were both relationships that fit what I felt my professional development needs were and I cultivated them. I bet you have a couple relationships you could start building right now. 

Hi @aafable,

Congrats on starting your business! What an exciting, yet at times overwhelming, place to be. :smileyhappy: 

Mentors can be an extremely helpful resource when just starting up. 

You mentioned that when you meet with a mentor, it's just a one time conversation. Is it possible to keep in touch with the mentor and check in weekly? 

One of my favorite mentors to date is a college professor. I check in with him every once in a while to maintain the relationship. I think follow up is very important so that your mentor stays up to date on your journey, they understand that you're serious about the help you're needing and they feel like they can make a difference. 

If you're needing a place to find a mentor, attending networking events in your industry could be a great place to start. There is also SCORE (volunteer mentors). Although I don't have any personal experience with them, I've heard great things. 

Just know we are all here to support you and I'm super excited for you and your growing business! 

I have had several mentors and I identified each through my admiration of their work. I saw what they were doing and was genuinely curious about how they got to where they were. Could you begin a routine of inviting someone who's work you admire out for coffee once a month? That way you establish more than a single point of contact and you have some time to ask questions about them and their business. It would also provide an opportunity for them develop an interest in you and your success.

Mentors are really crucial to starting any new venture and I hope your relationship to them is helping sustain your creative energy. I find the difference between a colleague and a mentor is the duration of our connection and the types of perspectives they offer (just my personal perspective). @aafable please correct me if I am missing the fundamental intent of your question. 

I see it as akin to a "giving me a fish vs. teaching me to fish" scenario - colleagues in work and social spaces have taught me cool skills, but there was never a bigger "why," nor did they make an effort to emphasize the greater relevance of what I had been taught. My mentors, on the other hand, are the friends (or colleagues) who do that and more. They actively make connections between personality and professional skills. They want to know why my goals are important to me and do their best to offer resources. They advice on more than work but on life in general. We keep in contact before and especially after our project or professional relationship comes to a terminus. Trust and care are the bedrock. 

A personal example - when I was at Adobe, one of the directors - who had few direct connections to me as a contractor opening a new coffee shop on campus - was interested in my past life as an academic. He recognized my aspirations were more than the 9-5 and wanted to know more about my goals. Sure, he cared about making sure coffee got to the employees, but he genuinely cared that I was moving ahead in life. We often talked over coffee about everything from family to real-estate. Now that I've moved on we still chat over email. I go to him for advice because I trust his opinion and he actively welcomes the conversation. 

Find great people and stick with them, they will ensure you accomplish anything and everything.