I\u2019m fortunate that I get to work with many startups, both independently and with TechStars<\/a> where I\u2019m a mentor.\u00a0 There is no better way to learn than through teaching (learning is the most fun you can have, at least for a sustained period) and there are few better students than entrepreneurs. Good entrepreneurs always want to know why<\/em> they should do something and not just\u00a0what<\/em> they should do.\u00a0 They test, challenge and refuse to take anything for granted. They\u2019re highly motivated, smart and understand success is not about them as an individual, but about the team they can build. And they strive not only to make their first venture a success but also to become strong, solid leaders and managers that can build many great companies.<\/p>\n So, with all these qualities, it shocks me how often entrepreneurs choose a mentor because they\u2019re the loudest guy in the room.<\/p>\n You know that person, the one who likes to talk incessantly about all of his or her accomplishments and is quick to give advice on any and all subjects.\u00a0 The person who speaks before listening and has never had any failures.\u00a0 Yeah,\u00a0that<\/em> guy.<\/p>\n Somehow, in the sponge-like desire that good entrepreneurs have to vacuum up every morsel of knowledge, they often attach themselves to the first person that sounds like they know anything.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that\u2019s usually the one who brags the loudest.<\/p>\n So, here\u2019s a simple three-step plan on how to avoid adopting Mr.\/Ms. Know-it-all as your savior:<\/p>\n I\u2019m no psychiatrist, but the loud braggart in the room is probably making up for something else (get your mind out of the gutter, I was referring to some business deficiency) or has had too much to drink.\u00a0 Either way, they do you no good.<\/p>\n Be selective. Find someone with both good advice based on things they\u2019ve actually done plus the ability to communicate they way that works best for you.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be much happier and, quite likely, more successful yourself.<\/p>\n![\"superstar\"](\"http:\/\/www.stoth.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-o-matic\/cache\/f2e04_superstar-201x300.jpg\")
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