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  The entrepreneurial path promises great rewards for those who travel on it. But it’s also often filled with challenges—enough to confuse and discourage most founders. Having experienced businesspeople who understand the ins and outs of building an enterprise as mentors certainly help make the journey easier. The insights they provide could get your business up several growth steps in less time and at a lower cost than it would take without them.
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If you are an entrepreneur looking for a mentor, here are six places you can find them.

Business Clubs

A business club is a community of businesses which offers its members special privileges. One benefit they could provide is the chance to meet and interact with experienced businesspeople who could become your mentors. A business club you should consider joining is Club Connect. Besides giving you to access mentorship, it allows you to network with a large number of potential partners. It also comes with a ready customer base, funding opportunities, advertising, and discounts on vital resources. If you’d like to find out more about Club Connect, you can do so HERE.

Incubators and Accelerators

Incubators and accelerators are programs designed to help early-stage startups grow and succeed. They often provide mentorship as part of their offerings. Many incubators and accelerators have networks of experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals who are available to mentor their participants. Some of the better-known incubators and accelerators active within Nigeria are Techstars, Founder Institute, and FasterCapital.

Networking Events

Networking events can be a great way to meet other entrepreneurs and business professionals. You should certainly make them a priority if you’re seeking counsel from experienced founders and executives. You never know who you might meet at these events; you may find a mentor who can help you take your business to the next level. A high-quality networking event you should consider attending is the Connect Nigeria Business Mixer. It’s a gathering of entrepreneurs and business leaders which takes place in Lagos. Find out more about it HERE.
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Professional Associations

Professional associations are organizations that are made up of people who work in a particular industry or profession. They often provide networking opportunities and resources to their members. Many professional associations also have mentorship programs or can connect you with a mentor in your field. For example, if yours is an estate valuation firm, you may seek the help of members of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

LinkedIn

LinkedIn can do a lot more for you than just letting you keep up with your favourite professionals. It’s a great place to find mentors who work in your industry or have experience in areas where you need help. If you approach the right people respectfully and with clearly stated intentions, you may find that they’re willing to help you. LinkedIn has a setup that lets you search for mentors by industry, location, or other criteria.

Friends and Family

Don’t overlook the people in your personal network. Friends and family members may know someone who can serve as a mentor for you. They may also be able to help you with valuable advice and support as you build your business.
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Final Words

There’s a lot you can gain from mentors: great advice, solid networks, and valuable resources. These benefits make them worth having. The good news is, there are many places you can find one, from business clubs to incubators and accelerators, professional associations and networking events. Keep an open mind and be persistent in your search. Do this, and you’ll get a mentor who can be of aid to you as you strive to achieve your goals. Featured Image Source: Fortune
Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com

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This article was first published on 9th May 2023

ikenna-nwachukwu

Ikenna Nwachukwu holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He loves to look at the world through multiple lenses- economic, political, religious and philosophical- and to write about what he observes in a witty, yet reflective style.


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