The following was written by Raven Davis:
A simple life hack that will make your daily interactions a bit easier in both your business and personal world is finding a mentor. Some of the world’s most successful business people have been mentored, including Mark Zuckerberg, who received guidance from Steve Jobs during the early stages of Facebook. Successful individuals may seem like they are at the top of their game and have it all, but there are often mentors behind the scenes who impart knowledge and advice to land mentees at the top of their industry.
Networking: It’s always good to know the who’s who of your industry. You never know what knowledge or services you can exchange with
someone. Tap into your mentor’s network and become acquainted with people who are moving in the same direction you are. This can increase visibility of the vision you have for your venture, and expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking. It just takes the right introduction to spark the next deal, partnership, or new customer.Self-esteem:Â There is nothing
like having someone in your corner. The beginning stages of any venture can be tough. Having a mentor can be like a personal cheerleader. They can provide encouragement and confidence when you are unaware of the next move to make. Taking heed of their advice and insight can catapult you to the next level.Skill Development: Working with a seasoned professional in your field can alleviate the stress of startup issues. Things that seem like pressing issues for you–such as bookkeeping, time management, and contracts–will not be such a big deal to an experienced mentor. Having someone in your corner with advanced skills can assist in solving the issues, which will allow you to devote your attention to other business matters.