Why muddle though it alone? Having someone experienced and knowledgeable to call upon when needed is a definite advantage. Ideally, you’d have several mentors, each with different expertise to guide you with different areas of your business. You could have one for marketing, another for administration and yet another finance. The more brains you have access to the better. Not only will they help you with your business, but listing them in your business plan will add weight to it if you’re looking for financing.
Finding mentors is not necessarily a difficult endeavor. Maybe you have knowledgeable friends and family. Ask your lawyer and accountant. They’re likely know a lot of professionals in various fields. You can also try the links below.
Free help available from retired professionals:
Service Corps of Retired Executives -USA (http://www.score.org/)
Information about organizations that can help you with your business:
Office of Small Business Development Centers – USA (http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/)
A Canadian charity organization focusing on helping entrepreneurs aged 18-34:
Canadian Youth Business Foundation – Canada (http://www.cybf.ca/)