What Makes a Great Mentor (and How to Find One)

Have you ever wondered how some entrepreneurs always seem to know exactly what to do? Chances are, they’ve got a mentor in their corner—someone who’s been through a lot and can help them tackle challenges, share insider tips, and build their confidence. In fact, small businesses with mentors have a 70% survival rate after five years—double the rate of those without mentorship.

In this article, we’re breaking down what makes a mentor truly awesome and how you can find one to help you crush your goals.

Qualities of a Great Mentor

A great mentor has the perfect balance of technical and soft skills to help you grow and do your best in your business.

Empathy and Understanding

A great mentor is someone who gets your fears and really cares about helping you out. For instance, if your business or product isn’t selling as fast as you hoped, a good mentor won’t just tell you what went wrong. They’ll actually listen to how you’re feeling and share their own stories of messing up. That kind of support keeps you feeling motivated, not defeated.

Relevant Experience

Having a mentor who knows your industry can be really valuable. They’ve got the technical skills and experience to help you excel in your business.

Let’s say you have a new clothing brand. A mentor who’s worked in fashion could help you:

• Find the best places to get materials
• Learn how to market your designs
• Figure out fair prices for your items

And here’s the thing—they don’t have to be a big-shot CEO. Your mentor could be a family friend or a local business owner who’s just as excited about your goals as you are.

A Positive and Encouraging Attitude

Positivity is contagious, and a great mentor will have an encouraging vibe that keeps you motivated. An in-depth study from the University of Oxford found that being positive can make you 13% more productive. That kind of mindset doesn’t just help you get stuff done—it also pushes you to take risks and hang on when things get tough.

How to Find a Mentor

Here are some easy, actionable tips to find your first mentor. 

1. Start with Your Existing Network

You might already know people in your life who could be great mentors, like teachers, family friends, or coaches who’ve made an impact on you. Think about someone who inspires you, and the next time you see them, mention a specific thing they’ve done that you admire. You can suggest a 15-minute phone call to answer questions you may have, and always thank them for their time.

2. Attend Local Events and Groups

There are tons of places where you can find a great mentor. Check out these ideas:

• School Business Clubs: Join groups like DECA or any entrepreneurship club.
• Community Workshops: Hit up events at your library or community center.
• Youth Events: Look for local events—you’ll find lots of things on social media.

When you attend these events, don’t be shy—start conversations and see if someone clicks with you. Follow them on social media and send a quick DM to share why you admire them and ask if they’d like to chat about your business ideas.

3. Leverage Online Platforms

Social media platforms are a great way to connect with someone who could be a potential mentor. On LinkedIn, try searching for people in your industry using keywords like “entrepreneur” and your location. Look for professionals who regularly share advice or post about their journey. Send a thoughtful message introducing yourself, explaining why you find their work inspiring, and asking if they’d be open to a virtual coffee chat.

4. Create a Clear “Ask”

We’ve talked about reaching out to mentors and setting up a quick virtual chat or phone call to talk about your business. But how do you actually ask them to mentor you? Try asking these questions:

• Would you be okay with helping me as I work on my business idea?
• How much time do you think you’d be able to give?
• What’s the best way for us to stay in touch—email, calls, or virtual chats?

Let them know it’s not a big commitment, just some advice here and there when you need it.

Key Takeaway

The best advice? Take the first step! Reach out to people you admire and let them know you appreciate their time if they’re willing to help or give advice. It’s really not as scary as it seems, and you might have some awesome conversations that get you fired up and ready to work even harder on your goals.

Are you a young entrepreneur in Florida? The Kantner Foundation has scholarships just for you. Learn more and apply here.