Where do I find a reliable mentor?
Looking for a mentor to help me get back up on my feet. Ran a very successful group of Companies in the past. I would now like to dive back into business, but finding it hard to get direction. Where should I start looking?
Google will help you find. But then if they have the right keywords planned, you can still end up in the wrong place.
I would recommend Mr. Shyam Sekar of Startup Xperts, who has mentored so many and continues to mentor a lot of entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. You can visit www.startupxperts.com. I am sure he could be of help!
Great information here for you Ash. From your profile and website, you are leading a successful group. Why do you need a mentor to be more specific? What do you want? As the CEO of a successful group are you diving back in business or already in business? This will help guide you in your querry.
Best
Some great info and suggestions here already. Perhaps you can look at SCORE for a business mentor, or in one of the industries you are interested in pursuing. For example, in the franchise industry we have a program called FranShip, facilitated by the International Franchise Association. Here, anyone active or interested in franchising, whether operating a franchise unit or starting a franchise company, can find great mentors in different areas of expertise.
Perhaps the industries you are looking at have something similar? Check in industry publications and websites and in relevant groups on LinkedIn, also.
Both Robert's and Joe's comments are valid. But allow me to add some missing dimensions. I am a coach, the result of many hours of study of human behavior and the need to supplement answers to business problems with an understanding of the impact those decisions have on the parties affected. I have found that a coach is best when you are facing the possibility of a life changing decision. That may be professional or personal-when the end point must be arrived at through a better understanding of who you are, what drives your comfort level (ego, power, wealth, relationships) and what your real needs are. The coach will help you get there. Then finding the "activity" to meet those needs is less daunting. If you would like to talk further, please call 516-496-2490
Hi not sure where you are located but mentors are available through the Chamber of Commerce, i would try there first
I have a facebook page with a lot of info called tewnty four hour survival guide for small business and you can ask questions etct
Self help books will help too besides talking to a mentor who is a registered professional to do so. At the end of the day, what is the truest needs of your mind and heart shall fulfill your goals. I found this site on a search which has feeds to the inbox on business ideas and start ups- http://www.docstoc.com/, hope this may help.
I agree with Robert and Joe. I might add that think of the people that are important to you now in each segment of your life.Sports recreation, who do you bike with, canoe, go to church,play golf,go to school university, party with. Do you have a favourite uncle, nephew,ex boss.What you are doing putting together your"Lifes-Board-of Directors.Credit must be given to The"Kinder-Brothers" who came up with this amazing concept.Now send them each a letter that informs them that they are on your life's board of directors.Note IF your significant other is NOT on the there might be some issues there.Hopefully you will find your mentor form one of these people.
In terms of a mentor, I have found that most successful entrepreneurs are very open to mentor as long as the mentee understands that this is more of a role in which guidance is provided, not coaching. I generally mentor about a dozen guys at least twice a year. What I have noticed is that I receive several benefits, not only in helping others achieve successs, but as they become more developed and I can trust their value and decision making process, I have formed several lucrative partnerships. A great place to find a mentor is to attend a seminar where the ones you are aspiring to follow are at. Then it's just a matter of establishing value with them and being direct in what you are asking for. You will get some no's, but all you need is one right yes.
Hi, Ash . Take a look : http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2014/09/21/how-to-find-a-great-mentor-first-dont-ever-ask-a-stranger/
Hello Ash,
Please take a look at this article, and hopefully you will find it helpful.
http://acercoachingassociates.com/the-discovery-process-why-you-choose-the-mentor-you-do/
I would be delighted to offer a free discovery session for you to see whether or not we are a fit, and look forward to either working with you personally or getting you pointed in the right direction with one of my colleagues.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Ash, first of all I commend you for reaching out and getting help. Lots of entrepreneurs do not or resist. Second of all I think that it is imperative to give a bit more information about the area you would like to work in and where you need help. Is it business or more personal (development) related? All the best from Amsterdam, Jakolien Sok
I agree with Robert Vicens. I am a coach for a lot of people, but for being a coach I do not need knowledge of the topics they have to deal with. As a mentor gives advise, so knowledge on the topics is essential, so for finding the right reliable mentor there should be more insight on the topics you have to deal with.
Hi Ash,
Here are some questions you might want to ask your prospective coach before committing to anything.
1.. How long have you been a coach?
2. What prompted you to become a coach?
3. What kind of clients do you work best with?
4. What is your area of specialty?
5. How many clients have you coached? How many are you coaching at present?
6. Do you have a coach yourself?
7. How will I work with you?
8. How much do you charge?
If there is a fit (trust, rapport) and the answers work for you, then ask them for a trial session.
If you want to ask me these questions, then please connect via my website garrettglobalconsultingdotcom If I can assist you I will, if not, I will, like Robert, refer out. I am based in southeast Asia if time zone matters to you.
It depends on vision,you need mentor from local area or from international scenario,I am also give consultancy in four dimension 1-Education 2- Health 2- Business 4-Family,
you can contact me...
I would suggest three key things in a successful mentoring relationship.
1. In choosing a mentor you and the mentor need to be comfortable with each other. So you probably need to meet with more than one before you get a mutually agreeable fit. Be suspicious of the mentor that tells you they are the right one before you even meet.
2. For any mentoring relationship to work there needs to be a clear goal. This needs to be agreed at the start and regularly reviewed to make sure you stay on the same page.
3. The mentoring relationship should complete once the goal is reached. If there is another goal that you would like to explore then that is the subject of a separate mentoring arrangement and not necessarily with the same mentor.
Remember that mentoring is about developing you as a person and not an opportunity for someone else to try and run your business for you.
Ash , I have a couple of suggestions
Firstly who is a mentor- he is one who is responsible for all round development of a person whethe it be professional or personal. As a result , the most important thing in a mentor - mentee relationship is mutual trust.
Secondly a mentor shopuld be available at all times for clarifications/ addressing concerns.Mentoring therefore calls for regular interaction between the mentor and a mentee.
Thirdly a mentor should be a coach, counsellor, sounding board, critic all rolled into one.
If these conditions are to be mey, who is the person who comes closest to meeting these. That's important. Do you identify with this person?Can he be available on call?
can you trust him/ her with your innermost concerns?
In case you want any clarifications pl feel free to call me at 919833356875
best wishes
Hi Ash,
It is so great that you're looking for a mentor! Mentors inspire you and guide you to your goals. Generally, they are just people you meet along your journey, who come to you at *just* the right time. They mentor you because they want to, and at no cost. You have a synergy and you're able to help each other.
Think through the folks that you know; consider what you're looking for and if they can and are willing to work with you. I have mentors who guide and inspire me in a variety of ways, as each has a different skill set or strength that I want to know more about. I have one mentor who is great at business operations; another who is fantastic at innovative networking ideas. Another one who inspires me to think outside the box, stop procrastinating on certain projects and JUST DO IT. And mentors may come and go (as a mentor, but hopefully will remain a friend or acquaintance) depending on where you are in a journey.
So just be on the look out as you meet new people. Try networking in professional associations and chambers of commerce and see who you meet. With my mentors, we found each other where and when we least expected it!
Best of luck!
Jess
Ash, from your comments it sounds like you have considerable business experience, and you are now wanting to 'get back into the game'.
The first step is to explore what you now want to do, what inspires you and where your greatest value is.
I offer a complimentary meeting where we can explore what you are wanting to do and also opportunities that motivate and excite you. This meeting would be via Skype.
For some background on me please go to my Linked-In Profile (includes several Client Recommendations),
Lets make a time to talk
Kevin
Hi Ash, I have created a model to coach business owners, called the SPICE model it stands for Soul, Purpose, Inspire, Create, Engineer. Very useful if you are looking for direction. It's described in my blog posts here ...www.thebizcoach.co.uk
Warm regards
Graham
Great questions to ask a prospective mentor or coach. Use these questions to better understand their coaching style, language, and vision.