The Entrepreneur’s Journey: Alone or With Guidance?
Becoming an entrepreneur is not just about starting a business — it is a mental, social, and strategic journey. Along the way, new entrepreneurs often feel lonely, confused, and overwhelmed. In such moments, a mentor becomes like a companion who walks alongside with a guiding light.
How Does Mentorship Help?
A mentor is not just a successful businessperson — they are a guide, motivator, and honest advisor.
Ways a mentor supports an entrepreneur:
- Teaches through real experience: Lessons beyond textbooks come alive with practical examples from a mentor.
- Helps manage risks: Makes tough decisions easier — when to invest, when to wait.
- Provides emotional support: Encourages resilience in the face of failures.
- Emphasizes ethics: A good mentor guides a business not only toward profit but also toward integrity.
What Do Famous Entrepreneurs Say About Mentorship?
Many successful entrepreneurs credit their mentors as the driving force behind their journeys.
- Steve Jobs was mentored by Mike Markkula, who went beyond investing — he taught Jobs the philosophy of leadership.
- Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, also found a mentor in Steve Jobs.
- Countless examples show how mentorship has been the key to keeping companies on the right path.
What Happens Without a Mentor?
Entrepreneurs without mentors often:
- Make poor decisions
- Struggle with time management
- Waste money and resources
- Feel isolated and give up easily
- See promising ventures collapse due to lack of timely guidance
Why is Mentorship a ‘Need’ — Not a Luxury?
In today’s fast-changing and competitive business world, relying only on personal experience is often too slow and too risky. A mentor accelerates progress, prevents mistakes, and nurtures leadership qualities.
In the context of Bangladesh, mentorship is even more crucial because:
- The startup ecosystem is still developing
- Young entrepreneurs lack proper role models and guidance
- Social and family pressures often derail aspiring founders
How to Choose the Right Mentor
When selecting a mentor, consider if they:
- Have real-world experience of both failures and successes
- Listen and understand, not just give advice
- Respect your values and goals
- Encourage you without imposing their own path
Conclusion
Mentorship is not a course or a one-time session. It is a relationship — built on trust, respect, and learning.
To become a truly “different kind of entrepreneur,” you need a “different kind of mentor” — someone who doesn’t just advise you but shapes you into a leader.
Remember: If you want real success, mentorship should be your very first investment.