In large corporations, as a new employee, you can expect to be taken under the wing of an upper-level officer to help you through the day-to-day operations. Your mentor is readily available to discuss unfamiliar procedures and share those elusive business experiences that are simply not available in books but are vital to a successful client relationship.
Finding a Mentor When Freelancing
Finding a mentor is the first step to having a successful business. For the freelancer, finding the right mentor is crucial. If you could attend all the business classes in the world, you would still be far behind the entrepreneur who has managed to find someone willing to mentor them through their first business years.
Recent business graduates discover just how difficult it can be when trying to do everything by themselves. They have just left the sterile environment of business samples that zero out at the end of each month and have learned how to run a business with an eye toward keeping records for accountants and attorneys. Real life is a tad messier.
Once outside the classroom, there is no such thing as being able to close out your books at the end of the month with all expenses and income zeroed out. The party is over. Somehow, somewhere, midst all your competition, you need to find a mentor.
Don't look in the Yellow Pages. Mentors are found in local business organizations. The Chambers of Commerce surrounding your place of business should bring you into contact with any number of professionals willing to take on the job of mentor.
How Does Mentoring Work?
Most mentors volunteer their services, so it is important that you keep in mind that they are also very much involved in running their own businesses and will not always be available simply because you need them.
While being mentored:
Being aware of your mentor's time means that you do not constantly call them, expecting instant attention because you aren't sure of what to do next. If you have chosen to open up your own business, you should have the wherewithal to get through a few days on your own.
If your mentor happens to be a relative, you can flex the rules somewhat but don't count on it. Successful people are mentors. They become successful by paying attention to business and, unless retired, their business still needs them at the helm.
Write down your questions to stay focused when meeting with your mentor. Writing it down will also highlight those areas requiring further education on your part. It is not your mentor's job to drill information into you until you finally get it. Write down their answers to your questions, clearly, so that you can understand them when you are alone. This shows your mentor that you respect their time spent with you and that you are serious about running a business.
Your mentor, in all probability, will treat you with a friendliness that you should not misinterpret as anything more than a mentor-apprentice relationship. Don't assume that you are now a part of all their business functions and that they owe you networking opportunities.
Repeat: Don't ever solicit your mentor's clients. You will be found out. It is appalling to discover just how many hungry entrepreneurs see nothing wrong in contacting someone else's client base. They suggest that, since they have been trained by Mr.Soandso and are familiar with that client's needs, they can handle any extra work, when Mr. Soandso is too busy.
This never works. Most clients will give a friendly call to the freelancer to let them know you are trying to steal their business from them. It's just not worth it.
The Happy Mentoring Relationship
Although finding the right mentor is a great start to having a successful business, it doesn't mean you're going to fail without one. Don't despair. The chances are very strong that you will find someone through networking who will want to help you.
Join and participate in at least one local business organization, dress like a professional, show respect for your colleague's achievements, and you will be welcomed with open arms. Successful people want to see others succeed. Show them you are willing to do your part and it won't be long before someone will make an offer you simply can't refuse -- an offer to help you achieve success.
