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Online Mentors, Galore! How to choose one?

I am grateful that there are so many people out there that are willing to be a part of another person's life and help them grow, but, on that very note, how should I go about picking the best mentor for me? I understand that there are the 3 categories that they can list themselves under and potentially location, but are there any other suggestion?

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6 answers

In depends on what stage you are in and what area(s) you need guidance on. If you are still developing you business idea or beginning your startup phase, I would suggest you look at mentors that have a history as founding entrepreneurs themselves. They are most keenly aware of the challenges and obstacles you face and how to deal with them. If you are seeking advise on a specific area like capitalization or business organization, select someone that has experience in those particular areas. It doesn't hurt to get more than one opinion.

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Josh, Marc Kenyon is spot on. It also helps to align yourself with a mentor in the specific sector and/or industry you are focused on. That will minimize a lot of assumptions for both parties and the dialogue will be more fruitful and fulfilling early on. Best of luck!

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Thank you for your input! It is much appreciated!

Report Josh's answer

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Mentoring is a two way street. Both ways involve communication and the time and effort to make that channel productive.

ADVANTAGE: Input you can use if the match is right and both parties are on the same communication wave length.

DISADVANTAGE: The time and effort to foster a two way dialogue

Good listening and observation are key. Relate to the mentor and how he or she does their job by not only asking questions, but also commenting on the outcomes and the quality of the mentor’s work.

If you have a thought on performing the job in a different way show some initiative by developing the approach and asking the mentor to comment.

Most of us who have mentored for years appreciate the fact that the mentored individual will do the job reflecting his or her own attributes and outlook and we are only there as guides. Make the journey interesting for us.

Report Kenneth's answer

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I agree with Kenneth. It's a case by case basis and both sides must be equally motivated including; the Mentee.

Report Liz's answer

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Thank you for all your input and suggestions. I appreciate the time and energy that you place forth into making my first experience using this organization a wonderful one.

Report Josh's answer

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