For Subscribers

4 Tips for Finding a Great Mentor If you want to be successful start by learning from those who already are.

By Paula Andruss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

One sure path to greatness is to emulate someone who has already achieved it. A mentor can guide you personally and professionally by providing information, connections and encouragement.

Cast a wide net. Consider all avenues when searching for a mentor. While professional networking and associations are obvious choices to explore, your perfect mentor might be found in a neighborhood group, at your coffee shop or on the tennis court.

Refine your request. When you make your ask, be very clear about why you chose that person, what you're hoping to accomplish and how you think he or she can help you achieve it.

Define expectations. Once you've found your mentor, make sure you clearly outline and share the same goals and expectations. Also, discuss how often you'll connect and whether it will be in person, on the phone or online.

Reciprocate. Your mentor is putting valuable time and effort into the relationship, so do all you can to show your gratitude, whether it's assisting with a task, sharing a contact or helping out in some other way.

Cincinnati-based Paula Andruss has written for USA Today, Woman’s Day and regularly writes for Entrepreneur. Learn more at Paulaandruss.com.

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

Money & Finance

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Your State? Here's the Breakdown.

Regardless of where you spend your golden years, it pays to be realistic about the cost of living.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Money & Finance

Turn Simple Ideas Into Never-Ending Paychecks With This Low-Effort Passive Income Strategy

A micro-hustle lets you build once, sell forever and earn money while you sleep.

Leadership

You Can't Build High-Performing Teams by Hiring for Skills Alone. Here's How to Spot the Real Difference-Makers.

Discover why a mindset of ownership is the real differentiator for scaling startups and engineering teams.

Business News

Coinbase CEO Says Company Won't Pay Hackers' Ransom

In a company blog post, Coinbase outlined how it planned to respond to a recent massive breach.

Business News

Microsoft's Mass Layoffs Affected at Least 800 in Software Engineering, According to New Documents

About one-third of the total roles cut were reportedly at Microsoft HQ in Redmond, Washington.