Abdi Aziiz Ibraahin Mentor

Graduated in Accounting and Finance. Founder and CEO of TGC.

The main purpose of a mentor is to help entrepreneurs with specific questions by sharing their knowledge and contacts harvested through their years of experience. Therefore, a mentor must not only fulfill their executive functions but also understand the process and evolution of the project. Mentorship is a critical component for building a successful startup. Having a good product or service that fills a void in the marketplace is great, but a good mentor is crucial to help you grow. Some of the teachings, tasks and knowledge which a mentor shares are:

Their work experience Brings a good reputation and credibility to the business Information from their own journey Advice in a strategic plan as well as operative Orientation in the resolution of problems Can support in the commercial work of the enterprise Motivation in difficult times Help to establish goals Identify resources Help to professionalize the management: business culture, process, recruiting talent, etc. Developing and sharing contacts, and therefore can help open doors

Here are a few common expectations mentor and mentee typically agree on and could be established the beginning of a relationship: Always maintain confidentiality between one another. Keep any commitments that are made. Evaluate the relationship at various points within an agreed-upon time frame. Provide help by answering questions. Serve as a learning broker, and be a sounding board for issues relating to the mentee's career goals and development. Talk about skills the mentee could acquire to add value. Take initiative to drive the relationship and be responsible for your own career development and planning. As a mentee, it is expected of you to provide feedback on the mentoring relationship, in addition to giving feedback on the results of the tips and advice obtained from the mentor. Receiving feedback is vital for learning growth and development.

Thirteen entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) expand on these tips and more below. Respect his or her time. ... Develop a relationship first. ... Do your research. ... Don't ask generic questions. ... Prepare an agenda and follow up. ... Don't only approach well-known names. ... Find a mentor for a specific challenge.