When it comes to seeking valuable insights and guidance for startups, TikTok falls short and is more suitable for cooking demonstrations. To truly benefit, face-to-face interactions offer far greater value and credibility.
The prevalence of 19-year-olds on TikTok selling entrepreneurial advice is exhausting and concerning. What’s even worse is that many people actually listen to them, falling for the illusion that starting a business is effortless. These content creators peddle the idea that all it takes is purchasing a template, plugging it in, and voilà! They even promise to teach you how to become rich in the stock market for a meager $199/mo. However, most of these advice-givers lack the experience and success of genuine CEOs. At best, they are misleading, and at worst, they are blatantly dishonest. Sadly, an alarming number of individuals in our society believe everything they encounter on the internet is true. It’s crucial to remember that mentorship holds far greater value than what Google can provide.
Ultimately, it is essential to learn from successful and failed entrepreneurs, and a 30-second TikTok video simply cannot impart that knowledge.
So, what is the true purpose of social media?
Social media primarily offers content, and entrepreneurs must consume more relevant and reputable material. One group of entrepreneurs choose TikTok for business advice, while others use it to follow their favorite chefs and stay updated on children’s activities.
There is nothing wrong with utilizing social media as an entrepreneur or coach to promote your product or service. However, the problem arises when individuals sell dreams that do not align with reality, engaging in deceptive practices. Social media, unfortunately, provides an easy platform for dishonesty. Just as filters can alter photos, it distorts reality. This deception can mislead individuals in the business world. Having a massive following of 1.4 million on social media does not automatically make someone a competent CEO; it merely indicates their skill in content creation. It is crucial to thoroughly vet and verify individuals to establish their credibility and authenticity.
If not TikTok, then where should you turn?
The best advice for those seeking startup guidance is to turn to LinkedIn. Connect with local business professionals who have succeeded and try to meet them face-to-face. Assessing someone’s credibility becomes much easier when you can look them in the eye. However, it’s important to note that not everyone is who they claim to be, as LinkedIn does not fact-check resumes. Therefore, it’s crucial to research their online presence and reach out to individuals in their network to verify their reputation. If their online presence is challenging to find, consider it a major red flag.
When searching for a mentor, seek out individuals with experience and wisdom. Their knowledge goes beyond mere information; it extends to the valuable resource of time. A 31-year-old executive managing the same number of companies as entrepreneurs in social media has less time available. With more experience, you’ll gain the insight needed to solve the complex entrepreneurship puzzle. People at your stage of life also contemplate leaving a lasting legacy and making a meaningful impact with the knowledge they have acquired. It is wise to tap into this wellspring of wisdom.
However, it is equally important to diversify your perspective by seeking advice from mentors both within and outside your industry. Embracing different opinions and recommendations broadens your viewpoint, providing a comprehensive understanding. When seeking guidance, make decisions that align with your specific circumstances. Avoid asking generic questions to individuals outside your industry. Instead, seek out someone with expertise in solving the specific problems you are facing. The mentors you seek may possess financial acumen or offer innovative solutions to critical technological challenges.
This approach indirectly exposes you to individuals who may offer support in the future. The person you connect with may have connections to bankers, business insurance representatives, and other valuable resources. Mentorship encompasses more than just learning how to run a business; it involves building the necessary connections your business needs to thrive. Unexpected challenges will inevitably arise, and you can better prepare for the unknown through networking and seeking mentorship.
What should you expect, and how do you get there?
Experienced entrepreneurs will tell you the truth: being a CEO is far from a comfortable 9-to-5 job. It demands working tirelessly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and you may encounter problems that require attention at 3 a.m. Successful CEOs often experience around 30 sleepless nights per year. This level of commitment is necessary when you genuinely invest in your business. If you do not work hard, work will not get done. Furthermore, if you want your team to put in their best effort, you must lead by example and stand by their side.
When approaching potential mentors, several factors can increase your chances of capturing their attention. Firstly, conduct thorough research. As an investor, no one does not wish to receive a copy-paste email from others. Therefore, you should understand why they should consider you as the right person to approach. What do they know about you? What value do they think you can offer them? Investors have received requests from aspiring entrepreneurs who offer to meet them in person and have a conversation over a drink. Due to your pleasant demeanor and evident preparation, an aspiring entrepreneur may have their invitation accepted.
Face-to-face interactions cannot be replaced
You cannot oppose online courses, in-person seminars, or other forms of business education. Nothing can replace the value of face-to-face communication. It provides the opportunity to ask thought-provoking questions, be vulnerable, and witness their vulnerability in return. The result is a much more enriching and valuable learning experience.
Do not claim that everything related to business on social media is worthless; that would be an overgeneralization. However, the chance to look someone in the eye and witness their hard-earned successes (as well as failures) is truly priceless. Take the extra time to connect with real human beings. You won’t regret it.
