Most blokes like to think they can figure things out on their own. It’s part pride, part habit — that quiet voice saying, “I’ll sort it.” Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap or launching a company, men are wired to believe they should handle things solo. But when it comes to building or scaling a business, that mindset can quietly hold you back.
Here’s the reality: getting a mentor isn’t about asking for help. It’s about forming a partnership that fast-tracks your progress, saves you from expensive mistakes, and gives you the kind of insight you can’t get from YouTube or another “10X your hustle” podcast.
A mentor doesn’t make you weak — they make you sharper.
Why You Need A Mentor — Even If You Think You Don’t
Every successful entrepreneur you’ve heard of — from Richard Branson to Elon Musk — has had mentors along the way. In fact, most of them credit those relationships for helping them get to where they are. The reason is simple: when you’re running a business, you’re often too close to see things clearly. A mentor brings experience, perspective, and a healthy dose of honesty.
A good mentor won’t nod politely while you ramble through your latest idea. They’ll cut through the fluff and tell you exactly what works, what doesn’t, and why you’re wasting time chasing the wrong thing. They’ve already made the mistakes you’re about to make — and learned the lessons you still need.
But mentorship isn’t just about getting advice. It’s about accountability. When you’re your own boss, there’s no one to call you out when you’re coasting or procrastinating. A mentor does that. They hold you to a higher standard, not because they want to control you, but because they want to see you succeed.
Think of it like going to the gym. You can train on your own, sure — but you’ll lift heavier, push harder, and make faster progress when someone who knows their stuff is watching your form.
Where To Find The Right Mentor
The good news is, finding a mentor doesn’t require luck or an old boys’ club connection. It just takes effort and a bit of self-awareness about what kind of guidance you actually need.
Start by asking yourself: Who’s already doing what I want to do — but better? That’s your target. Once you’ve got that in mind, there are a few practical ways to find them.
- Industry networks and associations: Most sectors have professional groups or local trade associations filled with people who’ve already walked the path you’re on. They often run events or informal meetups — and most members are surprisingly open to mentoring someone who’s serious.
- LinkedIn: Ignore the motivational fluff and look for people whose experience genuinely impresses you. When you reach out, be specific and respectful. Mention what you’re working on, why you admire their background, and what kind of perspective you’d value. Don’t send a copy-and-paste message; they’ll spot it instantly.
- Startup accelerators and business hubs: Many cities now have co-working spaces or government-backed enterprise hubs offering free or low-cost mentoring programmes. Even if you’re not a tech founder, these communities are full of sharp people who know business inside out.
- Your own network: You might already know someone ideal — an old boss, a client, or even a mate who’s built something solid. The best mentors aren’t always the most successful people in the room. They’re the ones who genuinely want to see you improve.
And don’t forget: you don’t necessarily need one mentor for everything. Some entrepreneurs build a small “board” of mentors — one for strategy, one for finance, one for mindset. You can learn different things from different people.
How To Approach A Potential Mentor
Here’s where a lot of men trip up: they overthink the ask. You don’t need to show up cap-in-hand asking someone to be your “mentor.” That word can even make people uncomfortable. Instead, keep it natural.
Start by asking for their perspective on something specific — a product launch, a hiring issue, or a strategic decision. If the conversation flows well and they seem genuinely interested, you can suggest meeting again. Over time, it can naturally evolve into an ongoing relationship.
Most mentors aren’t looking for anything in return except genuine effort and respect. But it’s good practice to offer something back — even if it’s just your own expertise in an area they’re less familiar with, or helping with a project. Mentoring works best when it’s mutual, not one-sided.
How To Make The Most Of The Relationship
Once you’ve found someone willing to invest their time in you, treat it seriously. Turn up prepared. Know what you want to talk about, what decisions you’re wrestling with, and what kind of feedback you’re after.
Mentorship isn’t therapy. It’s not about venting or moaning about how hard things are. It’s about using another person’s experience to move faster and make smarter calls.
Take notes, follow up, and show progress. Nothing kills a mentoring relationship faster than ignoring good advice and showing up next time in the exact same place.
And remember: it’s fine to disagree. In fact, healthy debate is part of the process. A good mentor won’t want a clone of themselves — they’ll want you to take what’s useful and apply it in your own way.
The Mentorship Mindset
For a lot of men, the hardest part is shifting how they think about mentorship. It’s not about “help” in the traditional sense. It’s about efficiency. It’s about speed. It’s about having a sounding board who knows the terrain better than you do.
Think of great sportsmen. Tyson Fury has SugarHill Steward in his corner. Lewis Hamilton had Ron Dennis guiding him from his karting days to Formula 1. Footballers have managers, nutritionists, and performance coaches — none of them are too proud to learn from others.
Business is no different. You might be the one steering the ship, but there’s no shame in letting someone with more experience help you navigate rough waters.
The Payoff
When you get mentorship right, the results can be huge. You make decisions faster. You see blind spots you never noticed before. You gain confidence because you’ve got someone credible backing your judgment — or challenging it when it needs to be challenged.
It also keeps you honest. Running a business can be isolating, especially if you’re the boss and everyone looks to you for answers. A mentor cuts through that isolation. They remind you you’re not the first to face these problems — and that you can handle them with the right approach.
And over time, you’ll probably find yourself doing the same for someone else. That’s the final stage of the cycle — becoming a mentor yourself. Passing on what you’ve learned isn’t just good karma; it reinforces your own knowledge and keeps you sharp.
So What’s Stopping You?
If you’re serious about accelerating your business, stop thinking you’ve got to do it all alone. Pride won’t pay the bills. Progress will.
Getting a mentor doesn’t make you dependent — it makes you dangerous. You’ll move faster, think clearer, and learn lessons in months that might otherwise take years.
So reach out. Have that conversation. Find someone who’s been where you want to go, and start learning from them. Because no matter how independent you are, the right mentor won’t slow you down — they’ll help you get there twice as fast.