Startup mentors can help founders examine assumptions, understand trade-offs and learn from relevant experience. Effective mentoring is focused on the founder's needs rather than delivering generic motivation.
Start by agreeing on the question the founder wants to address. A mentor might help review a customer-discovery plan, discuss business-model options or identify gaps in a pitch. Good mentors ask questions, explain reasoning and encourage founders to test ideas.
Set expectations for meeting frequency, confidentiality and follow-up. Mentors should be transparent about the limits of their expertise and refer founders to qualified professionals when necessary.