Mentoring Week with Greg Lane

What is your favourite aspect of mentoring young entrepreneurs?

Mentoring young entrepreneurs allows me to explore different ideas and discover new concepts. I’m very curious by nature, so I enjoy learning more about a broad range of subjects. I particularly appreciate learning from the younger generation.

I admire young entrepreneurs who can come up with new ideas to solve current problems. Looking at a process, concept or product that’s broken or no longer serves its purpose, and then developing a viable solution is a commendable skill to have. I see new challenges as the possibility for a great adventure.

If a student wanted to start a business, what is one piece of advice you would share with them?

First things first, I would suggest they pursue a solution to a problem or focus their energy to improve a product or service that already exists. Next, I would recommend outlining their strategy and determine their approach. Once you have an idea in mind, it’s important to go through the appropriate ideation and validation process. This will allow you to get a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and more importantly, how you can improve and refine your idea.

Quick tip: When tackling a problem, I recommend writing the problem down on a piece of paper and then come up with 5 ways to make it better. You can’t be good at something until you become consistent.

How do you suggest going about finding a mentor?

I would recommend subscribing to magazines or exploring online articles that are of interest — keeping a close eye on the authors, journalists and industry experts.

Once you’ve pin-pointed a few people who are experts in the field, I would suggest reaching out to them. Assuming you have done enough research to familiarize yourself with the topic or industry at hand, you should be sufficiently knowledgeable to reach out to them and inquire about setting up a 30-minute chat without seeming overbearing. By the same token, you should be able to hold your own weight in a conversation and perhaps leave a lasting impression.

When all is said and done, everyone has to start somewhere and we have so much to learn. If you’re willing to do whatever it takes, you’ll find success. In my opinion, a positive energy and willingness to learn will get you hired.

Do you have any advice on Networking?

I would suggest to “fit” the role by mirroring the “big players” from the industry you’d like to get your foot in. If you get a chance to volunteer or intern for a company you’d like to work for after graduating, make sure to surround yourself with those you’d like to learn from. As long as you stay positive, work hard, you will get noticed!

*This feature was published in honour of the Mentoring Week, 2021.