Introduction to entrepreneurship/IENT102/Mentorship/What

Definition of mentorship

According to Wikipedia:
Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger than the person being mentored, but she or he must have a certain area of expertise. It is a learning and development partnership between someone with vast experience and someone who wants to learn. Mentorship experience and relationship structure affect the "amount of psychosocial support, career guidance, role modeling, and communication that occurs in the mentoring relationships in which the protégés and mentors engaged."

In the context of entrepreneurship, "Business mentoring is a relationship between you, as an entrepreneur, and someone with business experience who is willing to act as a guide. The business mentor offers advice, guidance and support to help you run and improve your business" .

Mentorship case studies

Have a look at at least three of these case studies:

• Beauty therapist
• Fruit marketing company
• Upholstery business
• Vet center
• Natural Flooring Company
• Software company
• Research company
• Tour operator
• Search engine optimisation company
• Food company
• Design agency

Discussion forum

Having read some of these case studies, please post your observations about mentorship and describe some of the ways in which a good mentor can help an entrepreneur. If you are happy to do so, please let us know what you personally would look for when choosing a mentor and why.

Post your thoughts in the Mentorship discussion forum and comment on what others have said where appropriate.

References