At some point in our careers, many of us have received some sort of assistance from a thriving entrepreneur or an industry veteran. It only seems appropriate that we would then contribute to the success of another and “pay it forward”. In fact, I believe it is our duty to take our positive experiences and continue the chain by assisting others starting out who may be experiencing business challenges. Here are four ways you can pay it forward:
1) Become a Mentor: Get involved in a program that focuses specifically on helping other entrepreneurs. At SDSI, we offer a free program called Springboard that matches sports-minded entrepreneurs and early stage companies with experienced executives. Under the guidance of our mentor, the entrepreneur develops a compelling business model and investor presentation in preparation for commercialization and capital funding opportunities. Mentoring programs like Springboard provide great opportunities for business leaders to share their expertise with others.
2) Volunteer: Whether you’re still working or retired, volunteering will help advance the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners. Many organizations don’t have the resources or knowledge to take their ideas to the next level. Look for groups that interest you and then provide your expertise and guidance to help others achieve their goals. In addition, one of the most valuable contributions a successful entrepreneur can offer is time out of their schedule to talk with people who were once just like them. Meet over coffee and let them pick your brain. As you learn more about their business plan, you might be able to put them in touch with resources that can help as well.
3) Judge Awards: Last December, the Better Business Bureau hosted its annual Torch Awards, and I was invited to help judge the competition. This particular program honors the community’s most outstanding and ethical companies, both for-profit and not-for-profit. I was honored to not only have been selected, but to have been involved. There are a plethora of award programs out there and those organizations need qualified experts to participate on judging panels. For example, each year CONNECT hosts its Most Innovative Product (MIP) Awards and SDSI looks for partners and members to participate on the judging panel for the Action and Sports category. This is just one of many opportunities available to get involved through SDSI. I encourage folks to research programs in which they have expertise and offer to judge an upcoming event.
4) Attend Networking Events: One of the things I love most about SDSI networking events is the wide-range of people who attend. For example, it’s not uncommon to find successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and veterans in the room mingling with young entrepreneurs and listening to their new start-up business ideas. I’ve seen it happen on numerous occasions and it’s gratifying to see conversations take place which result in enduring relationships.
There are many ways that you too can pay it forward. It all depends on the time you have to give and how you want to help. It is important for seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders to remember when they were in a position where they benefited from input or received guidance from someone they admired and respected. It’s the support from others that allows companies to get over the hurdles and be successful. Do you part and get involved!
For more information on SDSI programs and events, visit our website. For more information on becoming and SDSI mentor, contact Renne Catalano at RCatalano@connect.org. In addition, we invite you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
