Tightrope: A business mentor is invaluable in the entrepreneur's life

— -- Hi Gladys: I have been having an argument with one of my buddies about mentors. He says that having a mentor is important to running a successful business. There was a time that I would have agreed with him. However, it seems to be a lot easier to find a mentor to get through college. Where are these mentors who know the business world? I keep hitting brick walls where finding a mentor is concerned. Is there some secret to finding a good business mentor? And, do I really need a mentor to make it? — Calvin

We all need help in making advances in life and we especially need help if we want to be successful in business. In order to reach any level of success we need to look to those who have come before us to help us over the rough spots.

I agree with your buddy, a mentor is invaluable in the entrepreneur's life; he or she will guide you and show you different ways to approach a situation. A mentor is chosen for his experience and wisdom.

The concept of mentoring goes back to ancient Athens. The term "mentoring" come from Homer's The Odyssey, in which the character Mentor was a tutor to Telemachus. She guided Telemachus during his travels in search of his father. And it's just as important for our success today as it was in ancient times.

We need to use care in selecting the people who we want to emulate. Decide what you want to succeed at and then identify someone whom you admire and respect and who has been successful in your area of interest. Ask that person to be your mentor. One of the greatest compliments you can give is to ask a person to be your mentor, because you are telling that person that you highly respect him and value his advice.

If you don't have success finding a mentor on your own, sometimes you will find that professional and business organizations have formal mentoring programs in place. Check with organizations like SCORE or your local Chamber of Commerce. If that doesn't work consider joining professional and business organizations like Rotary. You will fine plenty of seasoned business professionals in service organizations like Rotary.