Mentoring Week with Amanda Gordon
What is your favourite aspect of mentoring young entrepreneurs?
First off I have to say that I feel so fortunate to be part of the University of Ottawa’s Entrepreneurship Hub. It is not only a chance for me to give back, it is also a chance for me to lean in and share my lessons learned so that young entrepreneurs can run faster and smarter. The conversations I have with students in the program are inspiring. These are real entrepreneurs passionately working to build their businesses, to solve business problems, fighting for each dollar, so I am serious about showing up and adding real value each time we connect. My favourite part is that I leave the sessions wanting to come back next week; in my busy world, that says a lot.
If a student wanted to start a business, what is one piece of advice you would share with them?
Build what customers NEED. It’s as simple as that! If you can take off the blinders and dig deep to understand what customers need (not what they might want, not what you have built that you want to jam down their throats, but what they actually need), it will be the difference from building a company that makes a few $1,000 to a company that will make $100M. Most of my conversations with new entrepreneurs starts with their story about how they have built the most amazing businesses. I can see the spark in their eyes and their pride shine through. However, my spark shines through when they truly can address a market need and can show me how they are going to be successful.
I also think it is important for new entrepreneurs to have trusted advisors on their team. Surround yourself with people you can trust, sorry Mom but this is the one time you can’t be my top advisor. Surround yourself with a smart and diverse team, give them a voice and make sure they can be real with you. If you don’t have real advisors in your circle that will challenge you and see things differently, I am afraid you risk drinking your own Kool-Aid and won’t get anywhere with your business.
How do you suggest going about finding a mentor?
There are mentors around every corner so be careful. Some will waste your time, and others will be game-changers for you, so be careful and don’t say yes to every mentor who offers support. I suggest you find someone who really knows your space, has actually done what you are trying to do. I also suggest you find multiple mentors because your needs will change so don’t limit yourself to just one. The other secret to a great mentor is someone you have chemistry with. If your mentor leaves you feeling challenged & grounded, like you learned a ton, plus inspired & energized, they are a great fit.
Do you have any advice on Networking?
Sadly, I dream about networking events now! Is that weird? Given Covid, in-person ones seem to be a thing of the past. So let’s pretend for a sec that we are back to networking events with 50–100 people in the room. My advice would be to try to go in with a goal in mind before you step into the room. Usually, my goal is to meet 5 new people and to have a meaningful conversation with 1 (can be new or not so new connection). If you only stick to the people you know at a networking event, I feel like you should have stayed at home at watched the Queen’s Gambit instead. If you can leave with a deeper connection to one person, it means you actually invested time in someone and opened yourself up. That’s a win, as long as it isn’t with your co-worker who you stare at on Zoom every day.
*This feature was published in honour of the Mentoring Week, 2021.
