I'm a small business owner. I run a single-member LLC. I developed an app for freelancers and business owners like myself, for both Android and iPhone. My app automatically calculates the exact dollar amount (of gross income) needed to set aside for taxes, per month/year. It also provides a monthly/yearly detailed profit (loss) statement, which can be kept for his/her own personal records or passed along to a CPA. The app doesn't connect to your personal banking information nor does it ask for permission to access personal information (i.e., phone contacts, GPS, your camera).

I now want a business mentor. But, I'm unsure where to begin looking or how that process even works.

Why do I want a Small Business mentor?

For starters, I like to learn. I feel like a mentor can contribute to the consistency of helping me establish myself as a lifelong learner. I can learn from his or her previous mistakes and successes. "Been there and done that" type of thing. Podcasts are great (and generalize to the masses), but I would like to connect and network with someone that can relate to me, act as a sounding board, or help me navigate a new area.

Why do I believe a small business mentor may be beneficial for me?

Now, I hope this doesn't come off as selfish but, I think it would be a good way for a mentor to continue giving back to his or her community. Help me better develop my business skills. However, as a small business owner, a mentor can provide the expertise I may not have. Such as common pitfalls to avoid through their real-life experiences. Someone that can truly share wisdom with me on an ongoing basis, and in a manner that can have a direct, positive impact on the growth of my business over time.

Up until now, everything from a business perspective that I've learned came from reading books, listening to podcasts, sitting in on random conversations, or through trial and error. Which isn't a bad thing.

Not that my business is failing or anything, however, I generally believe a mentor can help me mark the milestones and provide unbiased views.

For those of you that HAVE mentors...

How did that relationship come about (e.g. met at a networking event, a friend of the family, former professor, met on a social networking platform)?

Based on the relationship and trust you've built with your mentor, did it improve you as an individual and/or businessperson?

The business mentor you currently have, is he/she the same person you've had in the beginning stages during your initial search? If so, how long has the mentor/mentee relationship been in the works?

Based on what my business does, does the mentor have to be working within the same industry?

For those of you that ARE mentors...

Is there anything you look for in particular when considering having a mentee? Certain criteria that need to be met?

All relationships have to be a two-way street in order to be progressive. You as a professional don't want your time wasted. As a mentor, in what ways can a mentee show sort of appreciation/gratitude? What does that growth look like to you?

How often do you communicate with your mentee?

Are the majority of your mentees virtual? Or do you personally know them/have met them previously?