This is the first post on 8 actions to take for your startup business. The first thing that you can do is to find a mentor.

What is a mentor?

Many people have them in their jobs – someone experienced and trustworthy who already does the job one aspires to do. I’d add wise to the definition. My Oxford dictionary defines wise as “… having … or showing experience and knowledge judiciously applied; sagacious … sensible; discreet …”

When you’re starting your own business the same thing applies – have a mentor.

Kinds of mentors

1. Unreachable (for now) but someone who you aspire to be like. Use Oprah as an example. You may want to be like her – a successful and well known business woman who does everything with integrity. You would like to meet her but assume you’re unknown to her (for now).

2. Someone nearby who you could contact. In a segment of the TV show “The View” each of the hosts talked with their mentor. That person had followed them through the years, always believed in them and their dream, given them advice in a kind and gentle way, helped them up when they were down, and showed pride in each of their accomplishments along their path.

Qualities of a mentor

• Reachable
• Helpful
• Believe you can do it and tell you to your face
• Trustworthy
• Wise
• Someone you aspire to be like
• Gives you advice in a kind and gentle way

You really need a mentor when you have a startup business. I aspired to be like Mark Victor Hansen for marketing and Jack Canfield for self esteem. They’re now remembered best as co-authors of the Chicken Soup book series but I met them before that. In 1992 I got to meet them and asked each of them to help me. They both did and today if I call them, they call back!

That’s what a mentor is. Do YOU have one yet? Who did you choose?

Originally posted January 27, 2012