Get All Access for $5/mo

Studies Prove the Benefits of Mentors, So How Do You Find Them? No matter how much success you've achieved, you can always learn more.

By Stav Vaisman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Mentorship might seem like a quaint idea reserved for young, fledgling professionals just starting to spread their wings. Studies have found, however, that mentors predict a greater chance of success even for entrepreneurs who already have considerable experience of their own. Successful startups are more likely to be led by entrepreneurs that have been taken under the wing by a more experienced mentor.

These findings beg the question: How does one find a mentor? Finding a mentor seems particularly problematic for more experienced entrepreneurs and executives. We are no longer rookies or interns who can learn on the job from our superiors. We are the superiors. Fortunately, the growth of mentorship among entrepreneurs and the C-suite provides some guidance on finding a mentor right for you.

Check your ego

First, check your ego at the door, even if that door opens to your exclusive corner office. In my experience, many executives and entrepreneurs consider a mentorship to be a sign of weakness. This bias is positively correlated to the more experience, and success, they have achieved. Why seek guidance from another when you have already succeeded? My only answer to this is consider Bill Gates. Gates has publicly acknowledged his continuing mentee/mentor relationship with Warren Buffet. Gates knows that, no matter how much success he has achieved, he can always learn more. Setting your ego aside is the first step to finding a mentor who can expand your knowledge.

Related: 3 Types of Mentors All Entrepreneurs Need to Be Successful

Find someone you can trust

More experienced professionals often feel like they are trapped in the competitive setting. Those who have the information they deem most valuable are often their fellow executives at the firm or their competitive rivals at other firms. This competitive mindset fosters excessive distrust in confiding in and asking guidance from another. Likewise, those with the information you consider most valuable are unlikely to trust you, nor should they, if it presents competitive disadvantage.

The trust problem can be solved by expanding your search for a mentor outside the competitive landscape. As the Gates-Buffet relationship illustrates, finding a mentor from another industry is one solution. Retirees are another great source for mentors. In the entrepreneurial setting, mentors can come from angel investors or venture capital firms. Finding a mentor you can trust means that neither party has an interest in withholding or exploiting knowledge at the other party's expense. You might be justified in your trust concerns, but they can be addressed by looking for a mentor beyond the competitive landscape.

Related: 10 Places to Find Mentors and Advisors for Entrepreneurs

Consider a formal relationship

The evidence linking mentorships with business success has led to the growth of formal mentorship programs and consulting firms. The latter exist at large companies, such as Disney's partnership between its executives and technology start-ups. Your firm might be able to partner with a major corporation that sees the value of mentorships in building the human capital of its potential suppliers or targets for acquisitions. Meanwhile, there are a growing number of consulting firms, such as Endeavor, SCORE, and MENTOR, that broker relationships between mentees and mentors.

Don't let your ego, distrust, or experience dissuade you from the opportunities of finding a mentor. Mentors are proven to advance careers, startups, and the knowledge of even the most successful of business leaders. If being a mentee is good enough for Bill Gates, it's probably good for the rest of us.

Related: 6 Things Great Mentors Do Differently

Stav Vaisman

CEO of InspiredConsumer

A marketing expert with a proven track record of connecting brands to untapped, highly-desired audiences for over 20 years. Startup founder and advisor. Business and entrepreneurship writer. Charity co-founder. Proud dog dad.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.