Renowned entrepreneurs aren’t made overnight. It takes years of dedication, trial, and error to amass vast knowledge and experience. At some point, celebrated entrepreneurs were also starting out and confused about navigating challenges in the business world. Having someone to look up to was something they hoped for too.

A mentor can help a novice entrepreneur avoid common mistakes, solve complex issues and offer meaningful connections and advice. But how can a starting entrepreneur find a mentor?

There are dozens of ways to find a mentor as an entrepreneur. Here are a few!

Networking Events

Networking events are organized to help people interact with strangers to share ideas and connect each other with great opportunities. Entrepreneurs looking for mentors should take advantage of networking opportunities. They should talk to numerous people as they can while still maintaining professionalism.

Small Business Development Centers

Small Business Development Centers are influential organizations that offer expert advice and resources to emerging entrepreneurs in leading cities globally. Members of these organizations are renowned entrepreneurs that can guide you in your entrepreneurship journey.

Ask in Online Forums

There are plenty of online forums for committed entrepreneurs on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These forums are excellent places to ask for guidance from strangers, provided you position yourself as a promising entrepreneur.

Friends and Family

Friends and family can offer invaluable business advice. Even if some might not offer advice directly, they might connect you with reputable business people. Connections through family and friends are the easiest to build.

Indirect Competitors

In most cases, direct competitors will decline to offer you practicable advice on progressing your business. Instead, reach out to indirect competitors, such as organizations in the same industry targeting a different market segment. Also, you can contact entrepreneurs with a business like yours but from another locality. Some of these businesses have been in operation for a long time, and their leadership has massive wisdom to dispense.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a brilliant way to connect with new people, which is often ignored. When volunteering, you will meet all kinds of people, from industry experts, college students to retirees, who will give you insightful ideas. It is also an important way to give back to the community and possibly enhance your brand’s reputation.