I’m not talking about Donald Trump here. Back in the olden days, many tradesman had an apprentice that learned whatever skill that tradesman practiced. It seems that we’ve lost some of that in the modern era, which is really sad. This post goes out to both the mentor and mentee.

For the mentee.
Find yourself a mentor, someone who’s been around the block a few times and will be open to sharing their experiences with you. In my 14 years of business, I have always had someone wiser that I spend time with. It started early on with my dad before we even started Crossgrain together and I was growing up in the family business. I was his apprentice and learned a ton about business and hard work. It continues for me today in the form of an advisory board. My point is that it can take on all sorts of forms, but you should always have a mentor. Be transparent and be humble and get out and find someone to meet with.

For the mentor.
You are needed now more than ever. So many young entrepreneurs are looking for guidance and it’s really your responsibility to show the young guys the ropes. That’s right, I said “your responsibility.” I feel like every successful person has achieved success because of the people and experiences in their life. To me, that means they owe a debt and the only payment due is to share that knowledge with someone else. Don’t wait for someone to ask, insert yourself into a young person’s life and give them the gift of your experience.

P.S. The rule of being mentored is that at some point you have to give back as well. Even if you don’t feel like you have anything to give, there is always someone that you can pass along your knowledge to. Knowledge is not for you to hoard; it’s for you to share with others. This is why I never turn down a coffee or lunch with a young designer. I might not be able to share much, but I can certainly share myself.

(photo credit)