This week, Doone is fresh out of the Melbourne Taylor Swift concert and still in the afterglow of all things the Taylor effect. We then dive straight into the 1-1 coaching format of these co-hosted episode that you've been loving, covering everything from the importance of mentorship, the practical steps in finding a mentor or coach and exactly how this kind of cooperation looks for the modern day entrepreneur.
Mentorship is the word on everyone’s mind - and for good reason. It’s a direct line to some serious brainpower. To further back the case, I came across a (wild) stat that founders who receive guidance from a mentor or a coach increase their annual rev by an average of 83%, whereas entrepreneurs who don't have that extra support only increase their annual revenue by an average of 16%.
Here's how you can go about scoring a mentor in the startup world 👉
Don't underestimate the power of your network 🕸️ Look around; your future mentor might be closer than you think. Check your emails, LinkedIn, and that dusty contact list – there might be a seasoned entrepreneur willing to share their wisdom over coffee.
But also tap into your network beyond that; ask for reccies 💭 Get a feel for how fellow founders found their mentors & coaches. Craft a clear vision of what you're seeking and start asking around. People love to share their connections, and you might just get a golden recommendation.
Keep a list of the movers and shakers you admire ✍️ Whose journey do you find inspiring? Update this list regularly. When the time comes, reach out, offer something in return (maybe a coffee or virtual cupcake), and hit them with some specific, thoughtful questions.
The main thing I want you to take away is that mentorship specifically doesn't always come with a big label. It can develop 🍃organically🍃. No need to pop the question directly; sometimes, it's just about getting to know someone and having enlightening conversations.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. Find what works for you, keep it natural, and remember, everyone loves a good conversation over a cup of coffee.