Who’s Your Monkey Buddy?
What’s your next big thing?
- New Job
- New Career Path
- Start a Business
- Follow that elusive unfilled dream
The new path might be smoother with a monkey buddy – a friend, a pal, a stranger – a mentor. A complimentary partner could provide insights and ideas or a new perspective on people, products or processes you haven’t thought of. A great mentor shares their enthusiasm, knowledge and experience, including pitfalls. Sometimes two heads are better than one!
Spend time thinking about the ideal person to help you get from here to there. Maybe you’ve met someone through a professional organization or at your kid’s soccer game. A good connection is what you need, someone you “click” with or who shares a temperament in sync with yours.
This person may not turn out to be a partner in the long run, but a good monkey buddy will help test your ideas before you jump in with both feet. They could save you a lot of heartache and money, too. Sometimes having a trusted pal as a sounding board or to keep you accountable and on task is enough to build your new foundation.
Just a cute video to support the claim that Finding Your Monkey Buddy could change your life.
A good monkey buddy should be someone who:
–Shares your interest or passion. Maybe you want to write children’s books. Your monkey buddy might be an illustrator, artist or writer of another genre and still be a perfect match.
–Has knowledge in area where you’re weak. Your cupcakes and pastries are all the rage and now it’s time to open a bakery. Pair up with someone in the food industry or with experience in a small retail start-up.
–Gives solid advice. Okay, so it’s been said, advice is worth what you pay for it, but perk up your ears when good advice is offered from someone who’s been there, done that and is now successful.
–A role model. Someone to aspire to be like is an admirable goal. Chances are they were once in your shoes and will serve as inspiration to forge ahead, especially when you’ve had a string of bad days!
–Can be a friend. Whether your mentor’s relationship lasts for one meeting or a few months, a great monkey buddy could become one of your best friends for life.
About twenty years ago I wanted to create an independent publication. I sought out a person who had done (almost) exactly the same thing. She lived about 50 miles away, outside any competitor’s territory. Incredibly she agreed to meet me at a mid-point location to offer some advice.
For the next twenty years we met a few times each year in the same spot to discuss business. Eventually our meetings became more equal – we brainstormed ideas that were a good fit for our businesses. Over the years our professional alliance grew more social. We’ve taken a few group trips together and introduced each other to people of mutual benefit. I consider her my Monkey Buddy!
Need to find a mentor for your new business? Look no further than a close friend, relative, neighbor, past or present teacher, former employer or even a stranger as a potential monkey buddy. Shake a few trees. They’re out there waiting for you.
Other Helpful Resources:
Entrepreneur Magazine posted an article titled How To Find a Business Mentor. Check it out.
