Back from L.A., Looking for Mentors
We returned from our KABC radio seminar in L.A. with moderator Al Rantel with renewed excitement. We were hoping 120 people would turn out and it was standing room only… more like 160 people showed.
It was a two-hour jamboree of taking important questions from the entrepreneurs in the room (about half wanting to start up and the half already in business).
When we were done talking, a large crowd gathered at the stage and we had the opporunity to talk individually to people and learn about their questions and interests more in depth.
During the experience a common theme of needs developed, and we found ourselves returning to advice over and over — we kept saying, "You need a mentor!"
And the reasonable question in response was, "Yeah, but where and how do I meet a mentor?!"
We’ve had great luck finding mentors through networking organizations like our local Chamber of Commerce and entrepreneur clubs. We’ve also always been bold about scouring the newspapers for outstanding people in our community and then simply calling them and asking for a meeting or lunch.
We’d like to know from those of you have mentors how you’ve found them and advice you’d give fellow entrepreneurs in need…
November 9th, 2005 at 4:08 pm
Currently mentoring a few entrepreneurs and might have room for one more. Silicon Valley only, world-class technology, large market and major competitive advantage, world-class team, etc.
Peter Wolken
General Partner
AVI Management Partners
< http://www.avicapital.com >
November 9th, 2005 at 4:13 pm
Hi
I’m in a very unusual situation and NEED help to figure out how to make things happen quickly for myself and my team!
Need a mentor in the world of toy creation and educational programs that will eventually end up in kids creating their own computer games and with the creation of real time (non-computer) TOY puppets! There is a lot in between, and it’s all started right now with 3 non-profits with various programs and numerous degrees of funding!
Victoria
November 9th, 2005 at 4:53 pm
Hello,
In need for a mentor in the Import/Export trade I live in Houston,Texas and speak spanish currenly in the chemical manufacturing business.
[mail=agt@houston.rr.com]Dickie[/mail]
November 9th, 2005 at 5:20 pm
[p][/p]Hello, as a blind person seeking to generate an independent income from home but without the first clue as to how to start, I would be pleased to talk with anyone who can help me to formulate a plan of action towards starting a home-based small business with the potential for future development from the cash-flow ovr time. I just need somebody who can help me generate ideas and an action plan to put this into place. Can you help me? If so please email me now, thanks.
November 9th, 2005 at 6:13 pm
Looking for a mentor in the Garment Industry, womenswear, looking to go global, need information on offshore production, quotas, laws and regs.
November 9th, 2005 at 6:15 pm
I am looking for a mentor to work with on generating ideas for a golf related startup.
November 9th, 2005 at 6:57 pm
I am making a web site and have it up now for just over a week ( actually I am adding pages every other day as I get them made ) It takes a bit of time to download pictures make the page and add the Buy Now buttons to it.
Then up load the graphics and page to the site I now have all of 12 pages there full of items and they are catagorized. . . Like Wind chimes, Knives and Swords, Eagles, Patchwork, Mothers day Dragons, ect ect
I just need help on Ideals as to what to add to it to make it better ..
Just me
Jackie
November 9th, 2005 at 7:30 pm
"When the student is ready, the teacher/master appears." I know that’s cliche but that’s how I met my mentors, Bill and Bob. These two guys (businessmen and real estate investors) don’t know each other. I met them at different times.
I met Bob, an 81-year old retired fire-door businessman and owner of industrial buildings, in a shoe repair shop in my city. I did not know at that time that he was a multi-millionaire. I just had this gut feeling that I had to learn more about him. So after that initial meeting at the shoe repair shop, I invited him out for lunch.
I met Bill, a real estate broker/investor with 30 years experience, at a free real estate seminar in my city. We had a little chat during the lunch break. Again, I had this gut feeling that I need to learn more about this man. So, as with Bob, I invited him out for lunch.
Since then, these 2 men have been very generous with their time in teaching me not just about real estate and business, but also about life.
Bottom line is…get out there and be aware of who you meet and trust your instincts about the people you meet. Your mentor is out there. You just have to have your radar up
"Seek and you shall find", right? And when you find someone you think could be a mentor, invite them out to lunch.
I have a blog where I write about what I’ve been learning from these two men and my experiences as an aspiring entrepreneur. So, if you’re interested, stop by my website at http://www.louielansang.com.
November 9th, 2005 at 8:08 pm
We have developed a new product. The concept is new and it is in the safety market.We have been trying to break into this market for 18 months, and it has been tough, at best. We are looking for a mentor that has been through this process that can tell us what we are doing wrong. I have followed many many leads that all have been dead ends. There has to be someone out there who would be willing to give us some guidance.
Thanks
Ted Lacy
November 9th, 2005 at 10:46 pm
I have recently started working with a coaching company (they even give you a free coaching call) to help with the shyness and not knowing what to say to people about my business. They work mostly with network marketing companies and the reps for these companies. You get a personal coach assigned to you, and they match personalities pretty good when they pair you and your coach. I couldn’t be happier. My sponsors are not local to me, and have differing viewpoints on marketing, so my coach is my BEST helper! If you click on my name below, then click "free coaching call" - you’ll find a new mentor that can teach you SOOOO much. I’m thankful someone led me to this group.
God bless
Sharon
http://snipurl.com/sagan4
November 10th, 2005 at 6:00 am
I am in the process of developing an electronic prototype and would like a mentor in the field who has successfully developed and marketed a product for themselves or a company. I live in Michigan. Please email me at restsport@aol.com.
November 10th, 2005 at 11:42 am
Hi there,
i need a mentor as well. I am interested in starting an online business, selling various products… but have tons of questions. I would love some help, I am still in the planning stage but would really like mentoring from a person who has started a successful online business.
Niya
November 11th, 2005 at 1:59 am
Hello!! My husband and I started a construction company a few months ago in Washington State. I have tried to find people to ask my record keeping questions too but I have been unable to find someone who can help. While we have the construction part of the business down I am only finding out in hindsight the things I should have been doing all along. Such as the fact that construction is a "retail" business and we should have charged our customers retail sales tax. We did not know until the quarterly tax form came and we had to pay out of pocket. I would love to have someone I can send a quick question to who has already learned the best way to track and run a construction business. This way I do not have to make so many stupid avoidable mistakes. Thank you for your time.
Erin
November 11th, 2005 at 10:29 am
I am seeking a mentor who can direct me with developing a children’s program and working with the school system. I have the idea and a curriculm I am currently building a realationship with a school.
MetroDetroit, Mi area.
thanks
sherri
November 11th, 2005 at 2:59 pm
[black][/black]
Hello, My name is Ann Williams, and I have had my own online business for over a year now. I started out with my own photography and jewelry sites. Later on, I added Health & Beauty products, and now so much more. I have learned many useful things through talking with other business owners and trial and error, and am expanding every month. I am also currently writing a book about my experiences to help others get started. I am looking for a few people to mentor who are also interested in learning how to start their own online businesses. Location is not a problem as conference calling is available and just about everything is done online. If you are interested, please email me for an appointment to learn more information.
Sincerely,
Ann Williams
Through My Lenz
November 11th, 2005 at 3:01 pm
My wife and I are considering starting a small company at home making iron and tile tables and iron wall decos and need help with all aspects of the buisness.Richard
November 12th, 2005 at 6:51 pm
Husbandless artistic phenom with a visible track record needs a mentor who is a mentally stable, financially successful deep pocket risk taking visionary that likes country music and wants to help re build the esteem of the American Laborer by investing in a marketable jewelry/artist merchandise collection that makes women and country rock stars look and feel beautiful. Priceless established credentials, realistic big ideas that with financial help from like minded core value driven team player will translate into one of THE most successful e commerce web sites offering major financial return.
Where a bank won’t touch me, you can!! Business models part Sundance, part Oprah & part Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid. Team already in process. Brilliant marketing plan visible in the market. Production facilities based out of Jackson Hole Wyoming, and Nashville, TN Please call Laurel at 608-239-1603
Kindly,
Laurel Nash Saturday, November 12, 2005
November 13th, 2005 at 12:43 am
I have a Food/Drink product i would like to put on the market. Need help with a patent and advise on what is the best way to market the product or atempt at selling it to a large corporation.
Thank You
Adam
November 13th, 2005 at 10:48 am
I am starting a real estate consulting business in NYC. I am also working on plans to purchase investment properties in PA, NY and possibly FL. I am looking for a mentor with experience in business development and/or real estate investment.
Thank you
Channa
November 13th, 2005 at 1:09 pm
Hi, I am starting up an investment company to buy small businesses. I seek a mentor to guide me from time to time.
Regards
November 14th, 2005 at 4:44 pm
[p][/p][black][/black]I want to start a real estate investment company. Looking to buy investment properties in southeast Michigan. Need a mentor to advise and guide.
Thank You,
John
November 15th, 2005 at 4:12 pm
I am looking for someone to help me take a regional golf publication nationwide. Need a mentor to advise and guide. Also, if someone would like a peice of this, let me know.
November 15th, 2005 at 4:13 pm
oops…..I meant, "piece".
November 17th, 2005 at 7:33 pm
I have a desire to promote seminars and workshops, and would love to learn from someone who knows the ropes. I would be very willing to volunteer my time and knowledge to the right organiztion.
Thank you,
Eric
December 7th, 2005 at 9:22 pm
One excellent organization not mentioned that I highly recommend when for looking for mentors is your local Rotary Club. This is a group of professional business people who’s moto is "service above self".
It is a great service club and I guarantee you will meet the kind of people who you would like to be your mentors, and have fun in the process! The relationships you develop are priceless, and the good you do in your community and the world is an added bonus.
December 8th, 2005 at 10:43 am
tom,
thanks so much for adding your wisdom here. jeff’s and my father is a rotarian and that motto of service above self certainly holds true. this might, indeed, be a great resource for people who are willing to mentor those in need!
rich
December 9th, 2005 at 11:29 pm
Hi, my husband and myself are starting up a hvac company and I am looking for a mentor. He is retired military 20 years plus 10 additional years commerical experience. I’m a realtor, so I know about sales and marketing. I’m signing up for a quick book class in January.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:16 am
Two years ago I took over the ailing company that I have been working for for the past 12 years. Now that we are out of debt i am looking for a mentor who can advise me on how to grow and stay out of debt. i am feeling a little burned out and need someone with fresh perspective and ideas.
June 20th, 2006 at 12:59 pm
Louie,
I have read your blog and hope that you may have some advise or information. My brother and I are trying to educate ourselves on real estate foreclosure sales. We have obtained individual lines of credit to facilitate our first purchases and have followed the bid process on several homes. The consumption of time involved in the title research of each house is somewhat overwhelming especially since we are both currently employed elsewhere. Our plan at this point is to turn our first purchases over quickly to build capital for future investments so that we are no longer using our own homes as collateral. At that point we are interested in holding properties as rentals. Perhaps there is a good reliable source or service that can eliminate this part of the process for us. Anything and everything that you can tell us or direct us to is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kitty
June 21st, 2006 at 9:24 pm
Hello,
I’m Kirk located in Los.Angeles, I have just completed my business plan and need some help moving forward. I would like to find a local mentor. I can also be reached at 310-415-0471.
June 22nd, 2006 at 8:45 am
Hi Kirk,
Have you connected through the StartupNation community yet? You can post messages in the forum and join in on the conversations going on with fellow entrepreneurs!
Click on the banner at the top of this page & head over to the StartupNation community.
Cheering for your great success!
Joel
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:16 pm
Last year when I thought I wanted to research a company of our own .. a coworker who was a former business owener told me to go to sba. I called them, but they were over 45 minutes away from me. They told me about [b]SCORE [/b]Service Corps of Retired Executives http://www.score.org/
They have offices in each state .. the following information is from http://www.scorechapter34.org/
SCORE "Counselors to America’s Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
…… These workshops are conducted by SCORE members, most of whom are retired executives, and they encourage open discussion as they share their expertise and experience.
These people are awesome ….. AND .. it’s free!!!
They will meet w/ you they will talk to you. You can use their services if you’re a start up or already existing!!