A mentor

As children, they were our parents, teachers, older siblings or coaches: Wiser, more experienced people who guided us through such mysteries as long division, football and the science of baking cakes.

As grown ups, we have moved on to more difficult tasks. In many cases, we’ve become the teachers. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still benefit from the knowledge and help of someone more experienced than us. This is especially true for the start-up small-business owner making his or her way, often alone, through the challenges of a new venture.

A mentor is what is needed.

Fortunately, they’re not so hard to find. I chose my mentor from a list of many, picking someone whose experience most matched my needs.