What Is Good Mentoring?

Sramana MitraFounder, One Million by One Million

Entrepreneurs have huge misconceptions about what is a good

Mentoring relationship

Myth No. 1:Mentor meets with

me weekly

Myth No. 2:Always available

whenever I need to talk. Pulls me up when I am

down.

Myth No. 1:Mentor meets with me

weeklySheryl Sandberg: No, that’s a

therapist

Myth No. 2:Always available

whenever I need to talk. Pulls me up when I am down.

Sramana Mitra: No, that’s a friend, or a parent.

A Good Mentor•Has superior knowledge and network

in the industry you are trying to navigate

•Is willing to tell you what you ‘need’ to hear, not what you ‘want’ to hear

•Looks out for your best interest

•Connects dots whenever possible to get you further

A Good Mentor•Gives you knowledge, advice,

introductions without wasting your time, or his/her own time

•Pushes you to do more, do better

•Will not sit next to you and hold your hand

•Is busy, active, in-demand

•Helps you learn, become self-sufficient

Be realistic. Do not look for a therapist, a friend, a

parent, or a family-member in your mentor.