Where do we turn for mentors and advisors? As a matter of fact, what makes a good mentor or advisor for a small home business owner? My first and foremost prerequisite is that I want someone who has actually “been there” and can offer personal experience and hands-on help. Retired senior citizens can be a great resource for the small business mentor.
It seems that the older generation of adults and workers has more experience with running small businesses than people my own age. I don’t have statistics on this and it is purely my opinion based on anecdotal experience, but I have found older, retired, senior citizens to be a wealth of information and encouragement for the small business support. In my small city, we do have a program whereby retired executives and retired seniors volunteer to serve as business mentors and for a small business person trying to learn the ropes as she goes along, this can be extremely valuable help!
Instead of just looking at colleagues and those who are currently working in your field or industry, you might consider seeking out seniors for advice and mentoring. First, many of them have the time to be supportive and provide advice, whereas someone who is active in running his or her own company or working daily has less time for mentoring. Second, seniors have a wealth of information—as someone who has likely spent decades in the working world, they have seen and experienced more that we can even imagine. Finally, seniors are able to provide some historical perspective and I have found them to be less reactionary—this can be extremely valuable for a new business owner who is trying to set up a business to last for the long haul. Don’t overlook retired seniors as mentors and advisors as you build your home based business!
Also: The Importance of Business Mentors
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