Five Tips for Entrepreneurs Meeting Mentors

By Noa Simons

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Preparation is key to effective mentorship relationships. Mentorship is a valuable way for entrepreneurs to gain advice from experienced professionals. We offer five tips on how to get the most out of mentorship.

1. Identify the first (or next) steps on your critical path. 

Know what they are?  Share them with your mentor and ask for advice on approaching them. Have an idea but not sure where to start? Ask! Often you can learn lessons from other people’s experiences that can help you move faster and avoid pitfalls.

2. Find people who have relevant experience. 

Wondering how to form a company and negotiate a founders’ agreement?  Ask an entrepreneur who has already been through that phase about what they learned, and maybe what they would do differently in the future. 

3. Request meetings respectfully and efficiently. 

Be clear about what you’re asking for, and remember that other people are offering their time, so respect the gift of time that you’re being given, including in initial communications around scheduling.

4. Prepare 3-4 questions in advance of your meeting.

Knowing what you need helps you get what you want, particularly in terms of perspectives from people who have walked the path you are on already. Preparing questions in advance helps make sure you’re being efficient, respectful and productive!

5. Take notes during your conversation.

Notes give you something to refer back to in the future. It’s very unlikely that you will remember all the details, so creating your own record will serve you well as you go forward.

Bonus Tip:  Say thank you. Ask your mentor for an email address and send a thank-you note. You are opening the door to continuing the relationship that you have started, and relationships are essential for building successful businesses.