Becoming wealthy is a full-time job. Successful entrepreneurs have worked for years to build a deep knowledge base in areas as diverse as sales, marketing, accounting, stock investing, real estate investing, leadership, team building and personal finance. For someone who is still laying his foundation, finding a mentor can help him avoid potholes he otherwise would not have seen, and is an invaluable asset as both a friend and a counselor.

A mentor is someone who has already done what you have set out to do. Whether that means becoming a successful stock investor, or real estate mogul, your mentor is an expert and is willing to share his experiences. Just as professional baseball players have pitching coaches and managers have leadership coaches, so should budding entrepreneurs have a mentor that can help steer them down the right path.

While mentors or coaches can be found in various fields for a fee, it is vitally important that your mentor is actively involved in their field, and truly wants you to succeed. Financial planners and stock brokers can work for a commission, and may not actively invest in the products they sell you. Therefore these would be poor mentors. While their professional opinions may be extremely valuable, they may not always have your best interests in mind.

Unfortunately, finding a mentor can be easier said than done, but networking is likely the best way to find someone you can trust. So join an investment club or networking group; talk to family members and friends. Those that keep their eyes open will eventually find someone who not only shares their passion for the field but also is interested in spending time with someone just starting out.