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Mentor People Business Mentee Good Advice Important Identify

Id ESLPod_0616_CN
Episode Id ESLPod 616
Episode Title Having a Business Mentor
Title Having a Business Mentor
Text

Business mentors can be very "valuable" (worth a lot) "resources" (things that can help one do or build something) for young people who are just beginning their career or considering opening a new business. A good mentor can help a "mentee" (a person who receives advice from a mentor) identify opportunities, "evaluate" (determine whether something is good or bad) options, and avoid common mistakes.

It is important to identify a mentor who has the right combination of experience and expertise. In general, a mentor should have at least 10 years more work experience than the mentee. However, the mentor doesn't have to work in the exact same industry, as long as he or she has valuable advice to give.

The "interpersonal relationship" (how two people interact) is extremely important. The mentor and mentee should enjoy spending time together. Their meetings should be relaxed and comfortable, never "strained" (uncomfortable, with people feeling forced to do something). The mentor probably isn't expecting to receive guidance from the mentee, but he or she probably is expecting to make a new friend and professional contact.

It is also important to choose a mentor with a good "network" (the people whom one knows, especially professionally, and can ask for favors) and who is willing to let the mentee "tap into" (use) that network. The mentor's "contacts" (the people one knows) can be helpful when the mentee needs to apply for a job, get a loan, or "seek" (look for) technical advice.

Finally, once a mentor has been chosen, it is important to have very "clear" (easy to understand; straightforward) expectations. How often will the mentor and mentee meet, and what types of advice are welcome? "Clarifying" (defining) these things can avoid "subsequent" (coming later) misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Topics Business

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