Startup founders. Get an advisor. Listen to advice from people who know what they are doing.

We cannot stress the importance of getting a quality advisor or mentor for whatever you are trying to build. Its important to be humble listen and listen to people who have experience in the area or business you are trying to build in. This is paramount to the success of your business.

Put quality advisors in your cap table - dont be afraid

Advisors and mentors can add so much value but before you do make sure they really can. All top accelerators like Techstars and YC always introduce you to advirsoes for a reason. It can open so many doors for you and your company. It can help you to open a bunch of pilots for you which you will need as a smaller startup. This will also help you secure investment showing that bigger corproates will want to work with you. Advisors can also help with intriductions to investors when you start to fundraise for your company

Select carefully

Make sure you know them for a bit or at least get to know them and like to work with them. They will be in and part of your business so this is very important. The best ones to choose are usually the ones who have years of experince in the business you are trying to build. For example if you are building a fuel ondemand company you may want to work with someone who has worked around oil in their career and may be able to offer some quality advice as well as open many doors.

Dont be afraid to ask

People like to help young entrepreneurs. Its YOUR job to ask them and to sell your business enough for them to want to get involved. Dont waste peoples time.

If you are serious they will also be serious with you!