More and more creative people forge their own paths to walk on these days, and it fills me with optimism and joy to watch them grow and innovate from an early age in a way that was not possible some decades ago.
To start your own business in search for independence, to be your own boss, is something extraordinary, and often the reason why one goes for it in the first place. Yet it is a quite risky path that’s not for anyone and the truth is that no one knows exactly what is doing at the start.
Most entrepreneurs fail multiple times before an idea takes off ( if it does at all ) and it seems that this part of the entrepreneurial journey scares the hell out of most of us. Also as much as I can remember, most of the time, being an entrepreneur is a lonely journey. The last three years there were times when I felt as if no one understood my struggles, and if you identify with this I can ensure you that this is definitely not the case. When actively listen, I hear similar stories and struggles and most importantly; a wish for advice from someone who’s been there and has done this already. The need for mentorship.
The roots of the practice are lost in antiquity. The word was inspired by the character Mentor in Homer's Odyssey. Although the Mentor in the story is portrayed as a somewhat ineffective old man, the goddess Athena assumes his appearance to guide young Telemachus in his time of difficulty. Historically significant systems of mentorship include the guru–disciple tradition practiced in Hinduism and Buddhism, Elders, the discipleship system practiced by Rabbinical Judaism and the Christian church and apprenticeship under the medieval guild system.
A mentor is a figure with experience in a specific or multiple sectors who aims to create an open, supportive environment where the learner can learn and try things themselves. Mentoring is a process for the informal transmission of knowledge and the psychosocial support perceived by the recipient as relevant to work, career, personal or professional development.
The truth is, as Seth Godin says, that mentors are of limited capacity. Most of the time they aren’t available and even if they where they couldn’t be of service for more than a number of people. Also, to have a mentor like that is often times quite expensive and as a result out of the question for a young entrepreneur on his first steps. This begs the question; how can I find one that works best for me and my journey?
Well, here’s where I want to suggest some people that I consider to be my mentors and help me immensely along my journey. Hopefully they can help you too in a way.
1. Chris Do | The Futur
When I first started my own business as an art director and independent contractor, I was struggling, as many other creatives do, with pricing and promoting myself properly. Imposter syndrome and insecurities made it difficult to see the value I was bringing to the table. Luckily enough, I discovered a YouTube channel, The Futur, where Chris Do, entrepreneur and owner of the motion graphics studio Blind at Los Angeles area, shares his knowledge and offers guidance to creative professionals. Needless to say that I binge - watched every video of the Futur and that the content was of tremendous value to me and left me a completely different person and professional.
2. Seth Godin | Seth’s Blog
Seth Godin is a marketing guru and he freely gives advice on Seth’s blog - where he everyday writes a short article no matter what; a great example of consistency -. I recently read his book “This is Marketing” which I highly recommend where he explains that the aim of every professional should be to be of service and to provide value to the client. When I started seeing things from this perspective, the guilt of asking my clients to be paid for what I deserve vanished and my focus turned into providing always the best of myself and my services.
3. David C Baker & Blair Enns | Two Bobs
Even if you’re starting now, it is very important that you cultivate your leadership skills and mindset constantly. Moving forward and evolving every step of the way is essential and I believe should be part of an entrepreneurial personality. The first time I became aware of David C Baker’s & Blair Enns’ genius was when they were Chris Do’s guests at the Futur. The idea of being a consultant to other creatives and the path to achieve this kind of skills and efficiency excited me so much, that I wanted to hear and follow everything mr Baker & mr Enns had to say.
Music to listen to while reading this post: https://youtu.be/D83cMncj_Ig
Taste: Green tea with fresh ginger