There will be several times in your life, when you will feel disillusioned and think that there is no direction to your life. There could also be times when you know what you want to do but have no clue on how to get to it. These are the times when you need a mentor in your life – someone who can guide you to your final destination and help you reach there in the most effective manner. However, many a times, it is finding the right mentor that proves to be the tougher task. But what is important to remember is that no matter what your endeavour, you need to have someone to help you get there and give you the right advice, at the right time.
If you look at the dictionary, the term ‘mentor’ is defined as an adviser who is experienced and trusted. Now, in each person’s life, there are certain people who might already have taken on the role, without them realising the same. For instance, one’s family and friends are always there to help and give good advice, whenever the need for the same arises. Your family is often your greatest support system and while you might not realise it, someone from your family or close circle of friends, might already be helping you along. For instance, if someone in your family is an entrepreneur or has managed to establish a successful business, they could be wonderful teachers for you. Even if you are a student and are simply looking for what to do in the days to come, someone in your family could be the right guide for you. Family and friends can help you out at a basic level, by asking you questions that could seem simple, but are actually essential.
Let’s look at some other people who could prove to be really effective mentors:
- Accountants – They are the best people to go to, if you are starting out a small business or are trying to be an entrepreneur. Not only will they be able to tell you about how to fund your business and arrange for money as well as the required licenses, they will also help you in creating your proposals. More importantly, if you need to put into place a business budget to present to prospective investors and clients, there could be no one better than an accountant. If your business venture succeeds and you start generating revenue, this very accountant will be able to assist you with tax returns and other financial details. They will also be able to judge and gauge the financial health of your business and when you start hiring employees, they will be there to set up payrolls and benefits.
- Others from the same field – For each person, there is always that someone that they want to be like. For most people who want to run a business of their own, it is someone else who might have been one like them. Entrepreneurs look up to entrepreneurs who might have done really well for themselves and have been able to reach really great heights. Students look up to people who have attained immense success in their respective fields. So, it comes as no surprise that such people would also be good mentors. When people have done something in their life and achieved things on their own steam, they will be able to help others on the same journey too. These are also the best people to answer the innumerable questions that you might have.
- Legal professionals – When you are about to start something new, especially in the business world, you need to have a lot of help on several levels. While you will need help with the financial aspects, you will also need someone to guide you through the legalities. Let’s say you are trying to start a small business – a lawyer will be able to help you with all the licenses and registration procedures. They will also be able to help you out, should someone try to entwine you in details that you might not be aware of.
- Recruiters – Although this might seem like an odd choice on a search for effective mentors, the fact of the matter is that a recruiter could actually prove to be a really good adviser and teacher. If you are a student, who is still trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, a recruiter could prove to be your best friend. Not only will they be able to gauge your aptitude and help you decide on a path for the future, they will also be able to put you onto the same. And if you are a new business owner, the same recruiter could help you find the best staff for your organisation.