I’ve argued before that startups need mentorship more than anything – practical, hands-on help from more experienced entrepreneurs, investors, executives, etc. That’s even more true now, given the tough times many startups will face. First time startup entrepreneurs in particular, who might not have gone through the last crash, are not adequately prepared to handle things. “Cut, cut, cut!” is not practical, helpful advice. It’s tantamount to yelling, “The sky is falling!” Not useful.

“It’s going to be hard to raise capital.” = Not Helpful.

It was always hard to raise capital (contrary to what we might have seen coming out of Silicon Valley). It’s certainly harder, but not impossible, and stating the obvious doesn’t help.

Equally, presentations that talk at a high level about why it’s actually a good time to start a company don’t help either.

Startup entrepreneurs need mentors.

They’re hard to come by, but I believe in their necessity more and more each day.

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