When entrepreneurs are just startingout, they are often faced with

innumerable questions of how toproceed forward. How do you get

ahead? Who do you ask for advice?Why would competition even be

willing to help you? Well, while I’msure some are probably opposed, thereare certainly many good samaritans

out there who are eager to aid aprospective business owner. That

said, here’s how to help others helpyou:

Make It Easy to Help You

Many current business owners remember when they were just startingout and they were forced to deal with the nuances and subtleties all ontheir own. Reflecting on this fact is what often makes business ownersinclined to help you when you first start. Yet, when you are reaching

out to established entrepreneurs, you should make sure you arekeeping it short and sweet. To endlessly drag on and on will only serveto hurt rather than help you. Not to mention, you will come off as more

professional and more knowledgeable should you keep it concise,precise, and to the point.

Actually, you should just ask a specific question pertaining to whatexactly you want to know. This, of course, is not to say you should

compile a list of interrogative inquiries that will make the entrepreneurin question feel they are filling out a questionnaire. Rather, one well-

posed question is enough to display your interest and incite a responsefrom your mentor (hopefully).

Follow-up with Thank You Letters

Manners go a long way in the business world. Youshould be reaching out after an insightful

conversation to ensure the entrepreneur inquestion knows you are gracious for his/her help.

By doing so, not only are you concretizing aprofessional relationship, but you are getting

your name out there. That five minutes you tookto write a thank-you note may very well turn intoa professional referral later on and thus bring you

business. Always be thinking about your imageand the appearance you put forth in the business

world. Although it may sound superficial,competency and skill are not enough to bring you

success. Appearance is, to say the least,absolutely vital.

Just Do It

Don’t fall victim to paralysis by analysis. Even if every single detail andnuanced subtlety are not planned for, you should move forward. Inertia is avery real affecting factor and can cause you to become entrenched in yourcurrent occupation without branching out to start the business you have

always dreamed of. You owe it to yourself to see what you’re capable of. Itmay be a leap of faith to start your own business, but it is your leap of faith. It

is your decision. It is your life.

Maintain Consistency

Always put forth a consistent product or service.People, consumers and business partners alike,

should know what to expect when doing businesswith you. Always offer the same options and do not

play favorites or it could very well come back tobite you. Do not do extra for one customer or theymay preach word of your extra service, and soon

that extra service becomes a common service,exponentially increasing your workload. Know

what you offer and do it well. There is no need foranything else.

There are many avenues an entrepreneur can take to successbut it never hurts to see what paths others have traveled.

Gather insight so you are not forced to make the samemistakes those before you have already made. Work smarter,

not harder.