By their very nature, entrepreneurs are independent thinkers and personalities. They have confidence in their own abilities and often drive blindingly toward their goals.
The most successful entrepreneurs, however, recognize that they can’t do it all by themselves. Entrepreneurial start-ups that turn into market leaders often start with the vision of one leader (Ford, Microsoft and, closer to home, 1-800-Got-Junk and Jim Pattison Group). But even those leaders need the support of mentors and advisors to help them grow.
Bill Gates has Steve Ballmer, Sergei Brin and Larry Page have Eric Schmidt, Walt Disney had his brother Roy, Clive Beddoe had Mark Hill.
Who will your mentor be?
Looking to break into the Asian market? entrepreneurship@UBC can help introduce you to it through a very strong alumni network and office in Hong Kong. Want to meet investors in Silicon Valley? entrepreneurship@UBC can help you navigate the waters in San Jose and San Francisco through its strong alumni network there.
The key to a successful mentor/protégé relationship is fit. Fit in terms skill sets, time commitments, personalities, expectations and domain expertise. For the most promising student start-up opportunities, entrepreneurship@UBC will tap UBC’s rich and diverse alumni population which is more than 250,000 strong.
Email info@entrepreneurship.ubc.ca for more information.
