Comments on: Encounters with Entrepreneurship http://tofflerann.com/2006/09/28/encounters-with-entrepreneurship/ Cultural & Business Insights, Experiences, Observations Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:23:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Philip de Lisle http://tofflerann.com/2006/09/28/encounters-with-entrepreneurship/comment-page-1/#comment-5761 Philip de Lisle Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:16:43 +0000 http://tofflerann.com/2006/09/28/encounters-with-entrepreneurship/#comment-5761 A great article. It raised 2 "flags" for me: 1. New entrepreneurs are never told the value of mentoring and mentorship which is a real shame as a good mentor will stop you making the majority of the basic mistakes that you are likely to make when you start. Many new entrepreneurs use one of their parents (as you did/do) or a close family friend. This is a good idea but may, and I stress the word "may", not be the best solution if this person does not have solid business experience. and 2. There is a general misconception that mentoring is only needed at the start up phase. I had various mentors throughout my 25 year career as a serial entrepreneur and I would never have been as successful as I was without them. Oh and if you want a good (small) book to read about starting a business, I highly recommend The Beermaty Entrepreneur by Mike Southon and Chris West. A great article. It raised 2 “flags” for me:

1. New entrepreneurs are never told the value of mentoring and mentorship which is a real shame as a good mentor will stop you making the majority of the basic mistakes that you are likely to make when you start. Many new entrepreneurs use one of their parents (as you did/do) or a close family friend. This is a good idea but may, and I stress the word “may”, not be the best solution if this person does not have solid business experience.

and

2. There is a general misconception that mentoring is only needed at the start up phase. I had various mentors throughout my 25 year career as a serial entrepreneur and I would never have been as successful as I was without them.

Oh and if you want a good (small) book to read about starting a business, I highly recommend The Beermaty Entrepreneur by Mike Southon and Chris West.

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