Experienced and successful: A business mentor is not just anyone who is running a business, but someone who is successful when it comes to running a particular business. Not someone who had set up a big business, but someone who successfully built a business from ground zero. Such person is not only successful; but experienced too. So, do your homework properly and background check before choosing a business mentor.

Readiness to share his or her experience and expertise: Most successful entrepreneurs are very busy with their businesses, but there are those who are willing to share their business experience with anyone who wants to build a successful business. So, when approaching a mentor, be sure such is ready to share his or her business strategy and success with you.

The willingness to provide guidance and advice: Mentorship goes beyond sharing experience; it involves playing the role of a guardian and adviser. A mentor won’t make business decisions for you, but must help you take the right decisions. So, make sure such is not judgmental, but constructive in his statements and feedback.

Positive Attitude: Although all successful entrepreneurs have positive attitude, don’t assume. When deciding on who should be your mentor, make sure such has a positive attitude. This is part of what you need to build a successful business.

Person of integrity: This is one of the most important criteria you must watch out for. Although most business owners who built their businesses from nothing have integrity, you still don’t want to assume. So, conduct your background check to be sure that whoever you want to approach as a mentor has integrity.     

There are other qualities, but these are the major qualities that you need to watch out for.