“I can do it alone,” is a common excuse for entrepreneurs who have a great idea but don’t want to tell too many people about it.

But doing it alone is perhaps the worst way to get your startup off the ground. Yes, it is important to share your idea with the right people at the right time and not to shout it from the rooftops. But it is more important to find someone who knows something you don’t, who can help you fill in the gaps in your model, and who has been there before.

Not just anyone will do; your uncle may not have any experience in starting his own business or in your field.

Whether it is a family member, an industry expert, or someone you meet and connect with at an event, having a relevant mentor is essential. Mentors act as a sounding board where you can bounce your ideas and hear them out loud, they provide experiential advice and encouragement, and most importantly they provide useful criticisms and find holes or things you may not have thought of.

In two weeks Wamda will be hosting three Mix n’ Mentor events in Amman, Beirut, and Dubai that may just be the place for you to get some advice and find a long term mentor or partner. These energetic community days are designed to allow entrepreneurs to forge deep connections with mentors during a casual mentor's lunch and fun unconference. 

Entrepreneurs from past events have reported connecting with potential investors or receiving transformative advice, so join us! Don’t go it alone.