Finding a Mentor in Your Area

Posted on December 5, 2007 
Filed Under Startup Help

A designer Emailed me with the following question.

“How do I find a mentor? I want to start my business the right way and want the experience of someone who understands the industry.”

Response:

What type of mentor are you seeking — one who’s an expert in gift basket design, or one who’s able to guide you in general business practices?

I don’t believe you’ll find a person in your area who’s versed in both. Most gift basket designers are focused on building their businesses and are not willing to share their knowledge. You can’t blame them.

To have someone learn what they know and take that information to gain a following could spell the end of the mentor’s business.

My advice is to seek general business help from a small business center in your area. These organizations are usually sponsored by states in which they’re located. The department of economic development, new business development, or equivalent name is where your search starts.

As you learn about business planning on a local level, search the Internet for leads to learn more about gift basket design. DVDs such as Gift Basket Basics and gift industry trade shows that host gift basket seminars help to elevate your design knowledge.

It’s wonderful when you can find both sides of success in the same place, but that’s often not the case in this industry. Still, it’s terrific to have options available that satisfy your need to learn and profit.

Do you have a comment, question, or solution about finding a mentor? Click the “Leave a Comment” link above and let us know your views.

[tags]finding a mentor, gift baskets, department of economic development, gift basket classes[/tags]

Related articles to learn, grow, and profit:

  1. How to Find Wholesale Suppliers
  2. Are You Ready to Solve Problems?
  3. Choosing a Business Structure

Comments

One Response to “Finding a Mentor in Your Area”

  1. Crystal E. Taylor on March 18th, 2009 9:37 pm

    I started a gift basket business in Feb 2006, when I started only did spa/bath & body baskets. I also do alot of custom baskets and I’m thinking about just putting all my focus on custom baskets, will this hurt my business.