I mentor entrepreneurs; I advise companies; sometimes sit on a board of directors, and occasionally am a consultant.  

 

 

Mentorship is a special 1-1 relationship with an entrepreneur: Helping them develop their skill sets, becoming better entrepreneurs, and guiding them on their startup journey.

 

I’ve mentored more than 200-300 entrepreneurs over the past 15 years, from students, to seasoned executives launching their first business. I’ve mentored many entrepreneurs of different fields, backgrounds and ambitions. 

 

Some of the entrepreneurs have gone on to formidable success in their careers, – gone on to build innovative products, attract funding, generate revenues and become very successful.

 

Often, I act as a mentor to mentors (helping them become better mentors).  And my next book (slated for this fall) is titled: The Startup Brain Trust. It’s all about mentors and advisors for entrepreneurs.

 

Mentors shouldn’t charge for mentoring. If it ever becomes that much work then the mentor becomes more of a professional coach (and then should charge for their services).

If we meet a few times and you are indeed a promising entrepreneur, and you think I am the mentor for you, then we’ll make it work.

 

 

Advising is about specific situations (e.g. preparing for a funding negotiation), or about specific domains (e.g. marketing, product development). Advising is company-centric as opposed to entrepreneur-centric, and are more fixed term relationships. Sometimes I advise ventures through an organization like the Arizona Commerce Authority, or on behalf of a university program. in 2020 – most of my mentoring interactions are via zoom and remote video.

 

Industries I have mentored, advised or consulted include: 

 

And I’ve advised companies in specific situations:

 

 

 

I truly like helping entrepreneurs – all kinds. But I am a more effective mentor when you are an entrepreneur looking to build far-reaching solutions for large markets, or building “scalable” ventures. I can guide you through that journey of getting started, identifying the right market and solution, building a product, and leading a team, preparing for funding, dealing with customers and partners, and growth. 

 

If you’re wanting to just ‘run your own business’ – or start a consulting business, a solo business etc, then there are many other mentors and experts much better suited to help you.  Same – If you need help running business operations, there are many consultants and service providers who are better at this than me.  If you really are looking for an investor (or quick introductions) – instead of a mentor – then I’m definitely not your guy.

 

But, if you’re willing to listen and take action: willing to change course, challenge your assumptions and move out of your comfort zone – then I might be the right guide for your entrepreneurial journey.