How can one find an appropriate business mentor?

Do your research

Seek out someone who can really add value to your business, rather than the most impressive name. You will get more long-term value out of a relationship with someone who understands your challenges.

Don’t ask to be mentored

Let it grow organically. Set up a meeting with a potential mentor but don’t go in with a formal request to be mentored. It sounds like too much of a commitment.

Respect their time

If you’re asking an entrepreneur for time, remember that it will be limited. Come to meetings prepared and get your elevator pitch down to two minutes or less. If someone has agreed to meet you for 30 minutes don’t keep him or her for 45.

Be open

You will only get value out of the relationship if you are willing to talk about every part of your business transparently. Keep no bones in the cupboard.

Take stock

Not every relationship works. If a mentor doesn’t feel he or she is offering valuable advice, they should tell you. Similarly, if you feel you aren’t getting what you need, don’t be afraid to walk away.

Once you’ve found your mentor, you have to be prepared to put sound advice into action. Trust your instinct, and don’t blindly follow the advice of your mentor or peers but remember that a good idea can easily be wasted. It often takes guts to do something that didn’t fit with your original plan.

Hi Timothy,
If you are looking for local mentoring and support then look out for those companies who are working and supporting entrepreneurs in your local market or speak to other entrepreneurs to see if they have any contacts for you. For international online support is definitely available, check out this one: https://www.micromentor.org/?gclid=CIOlj_iez80CFY4V0woda2cMgQ#how-it-works - it's a free site and you should get connected to a great volunteer mentor.
Good luck.
Jane.

Hi Timothy!

Congratulations on your innovative spirit!

Here is a good place to start:
http://www.sfscore.org/Index.aspx
http://businessportal.sfgov.org/

Also, talk to your favorite teachers and your school counselor.

Best of luck!

Are there any business incubators or startup co-working spaces nearby? There will be other like-minded entrepreneurs there who can point you in the right direction for where you live.

I highly recommend finding a mentor close by where you live.

Hi Timothy,
I would be open to offering you and your group some information/advice on launching your business. I am a former staffing firm owner of 15+ years that my partner and I started from nothing. This company is still operating while I began my current Career Counseling & Employment Coaching practice. Whether you are selling a product or service some of the same processes apply. Fee free to contact me directly if you would like to have an initial conversation about your situation and needs. My contact information is on my LinkedIn Profile pages.

I would go to my local business associations and ask them to guide you.

Hi Timothy! I applaud your ambition for entrepreneurship and for seeking out solid advice from professionals. Ask as many questions as you can to anyone you will listen and respond. You never know who or which answers will resonate with you. There are many people that have achieved success in ways that would not be authentic to you or would be unnatural for you and your partners. Take bits and pieces from many different sources and resources to form your own unique plan.

Hi Timothy!

Look in Your area if there is any business incubator , co-working places for start-up .

Register yourselves on social professional media such as viadeo, linkedin, Xing : so develop your network !

Big companies ( like Dell , I am working for) put in place volunteering actions /work group to help new businesses . Perhaps one inititive is close to Your location

Good luck !

Cheers