#AskJason #IBMSmartCamp How many mentors do you recommend a startup have?

TL;DR

Entrepreneurs should be cautious of the "pinball effect" caused by conflicting mentor opinions and should maintain their true north by staying aligned with their vision.

Transcript

how and you can look at who those people are interacting with so Keith R boy is always interacting with that group he's really great on Twitter uh Benedict Evans from dreon harz and Chris uh Dixon very smart uh Mark andreon probably tweeting too much about non Tech stuff but when he does TW about tech stuff he's awesome U but if you want to know ab... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍧 Having multiple mentors can provide valuable insights, but entrepreneurs should be cautious of overwhelming feedback.
• 😚 Establishing a guiding principle and staying aligned with the vision is crucial to avoid getting lost in conflicting advice.
• 🤩 Entrepreneurs should prioritize customer feedback and use it as a key factor in decision-making.
• 😀 Trusting one's instincts and staying true to their vision is essential, even when faced with conflicting mentor opinions.
• 🤩 Customer needs and preferences should be the ultimate north star for entrepreneurs.
• 👶 Innovative ideas often require entrepreneurs to go against conventional customer expectations and predict new trends.
• ❓ Relying on mentors for guidance is not always reliable, as their opinions may vary and be influenced by personal biases.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many mentors do you recommend a startup have?

While there is no definite number, having multiple mentors can provide different perspectives and insights. However, entrepreneurs should be cautious of the overwhelming amount of feedback and focus on staying true to their vision.

Q: How can entrepreneurs avoid getting lost in the pinball effect of varying mentor opinions?

Entrepreneurs should establish a guiding principle and hold onto their true north, using mentor feedback as valuable information rather than switching directions based on every suggestion.

Q: What role should customer feedback play in guiding an entrepreneur's decisions?

Customer feedback should be considered a crucial factor in decision-making. Entrepreneurs should use their customers' needs and preferences as their north star, allowing them to create innovative and valuable solutions.

Q: How should entrepreneurs handle conflicting advice from different mentors?

Conflicting advice is common, and entrepreneurs should trust their instincts while considering different perspectives. It is essential to evaluate the advice and make informed decisions based on their vision and customer feedback.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• It is recommended to have multiple mentors, but entrepreneurs should be cautious of the overwhelming amount of feedback they receive.

• Entrepreneurs should establish a guiding principle and stay true to their vision, using mentor feedback as valuable information rather than steering their direction.

• Conflicting advice from different mentors is common, and entrepreneurs should be their own north star while considering customer feedback.