Stop Waiting for the Mythical Mentor Embracing the 'five-minute mentor' might be the best way for you to get the mentorship you need.

By Carol Roth

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

For BIZ Experiencess, the concept of mentorship is one that can be both powerful and elusive. Mentors can help you perform better, point out shortcomings in your business model and make introductions to help further your career.

However, many of us spent a good deal of time without ever finding that one perfectly wise, helpful, been-there-done-that successful individual to take us under his or her wings and navigate the bumpy road to success.

I advocate that you stop waiting for this mythical mentor and instead, embrace the idea of the five-minute mentor. I learned this concept from Gary W. Goldstein, the former Hollywood producer of films like Pretty Woman and Under Siege, who now "produces" businesses.

Related: The Right Way to 'Stalk' People Online

Gary elucidated that the traditional concept of a be-all-end-all Yoda type isn't the only way to be mentored. Mentors are all around us and while we spend time looking for that one long-term relationship, you may be missing the five-minute mentors who can teach you important lessons, help you elevate your game and more.

Here are some examples of five-minute mentorship that I have noticed or participated in recently:

  • I witnessed in the green room at a major network a seasoned TV veteran giving honest and thoughtful feedback to another regular, but younger TV personality.
  • I was giving an interview to a reporter in a taxi on the way to the airport regarding customer loyalty in business. When we arrived at the airport, the taxi driver told me that he had been listening to the conversation and learned a lot, thanking me for sharing the knowledge (even though it wasn't directed to him).
  • I had a contact provide an introduction to a business contact who was herself a potential business prospect for me.
  • I had a peer, who had more years of media experience than I do, share some insights on the challenges, frustrations and opportunities of punditry over coffee several years ago.
  • I have studied the work of people that I have never met, to emulate and up my game.

Related: 6 Dumb Ways to Ask for Help

All of these examples represent different mentorship opportunities. Moreover, there are plenty more of these types of scenarios all around you.

I've never found a permanent mentor, but have had some interim longer-term mentors from time-to-time. In each of those cases, it was an organic evolution from a relationship that started out in a five-minute mentor manner. And given that BIZ Experiencess often have a wide variety of changing needs, it can be much more beneficial to draw from a larger knowledgebase provided by a wide variety of mentors.

So, change your thinking and pay attention, because you never know who might become your mentor -- if even for only a few minutes -- and help you take your business to the next level.

Related: Hungry for Success? 3 Business Lessons From the Food Network.

Carol Roth

BIZ Experiences, TV host and small business expert

Carol Roth is the creator of the Future File™ legacy planning system, a “recovering” investment banker, business advisor, BIZ Experiences and best-selling author. She is also a reality TV show judge, media contributor and host of Microsoft’s Office Small Business Academy. A small business expert, Roth has worked with companies of all sizes on everything from strategy to content creation and marketing to raising capital. She’s been a public company director and invests in mid-stage companies, as well.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.