Startup Guardians

Mentorship is one of the many resources which entrepreneurs should get access to. But how important is mentorship and why should entrepreneurs seek out mentors?

Take Mark Zuckerberg for example. Steve Jobs mentored Zuckerberg throughout the earliest stages of Facebook. Look at Bill Gates, who claims Warren Buffet is the “Oracle of Omaha” for his Sage-advice. These big-name entrepreneurs excelled largely from their own genius. But it’s important to note that good advice goes a long way. And where do we get good advice? That’s right, from mentors.

They've been there, done that and have seen it all, yet, a good number of entrepreneurs start their startups without one. In an age where instant gratification is glorified, it's unsurprising that many entrepreneurs and young founders do not seek out a mentor as hard as they try to find a co-founder.

As a founder, there's a tendency to assume that your grit and hard work are sufficient to drive the success of your startup. While these things can take you far, they're not a substitute for the experiential knowledge that comes from heading up an established company.

That's what makes mentors and advisors such a crucial part of the equation for startups. Surrounding yourself with the right people -- at the right time -- can be instrumental as you grow and begin to move toward long-term sustainability.

Often times, some of the best guidance you can receive does not come from a book but rather comes from the learned experiences of your mentors. In fact, in a study conducted by Sage, 93% of startups have admitted that mentorship is a highly beneficial component to success. Mentors provide exceptional support and advice and also provide access to a bigger network of successful people.

Another great aspect of connecting yourself with a mentor is the simple joy of receiving encouragement. It can be stressful and sometimes discouraging when launching a startup. But mentors are there to encourage you along the way and offer up support or new ways of handling challenges you face during your journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you’re feeling down or unsure, mentors are there to help you pick yourself up.

Feel free to chat any of our mentors on this platform.

What are your thoughts on having a mentor when launching and running a startup?