Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rune Hauge, Co-Founder of Mentorcam, located in Marina del Rey, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Mentorcam is a platform where people can access otherwise inaccessible mentors for 1:1 advice on topics related to business growth, startups, and entrepreneurship.

We started the company to democratize access to quality mentorship from highly accomplished individuals and thereby level the playing field for the vast majority of people who don't have access to these opportunities through their existing network.

Our core users are the founders and entrepreneurs that come to Mentorcam to get help growing their business grow or kickstart an idea.

Tell us about yourself

I came to the US from Norway a decade ago as an exchange student. At the time, I was launching my first business, an apparel brand. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, I moved out to the San Francisco Bay Area and the allure of Silicon Valley. I didn't have a network in SF at all, and I built my business by trial and error. I did, however, have a firm belief in myself and what I was making.

I had been lucky enough to have a college mentor that helped shape this mindset. As years went by, my network grew, and I got access to many people that helped me along my journey and gave me invaluable advice. Eventually, people started reaching out to me for advice and asking me to mentor them on their journey.

I realized that access to the right people at the right time could be the difference between failure and massive success. Realizing how lucky I was to have attained access to all these individuals that helped me on my journey, I wanted to build a platform where others could access advice from amazing people without an existing network of alums, parents, etc., to help shape their journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

After close to a decade since its inception, my first company was acquired
however, the incredible outcomes that have happened as a result of Mentorcam are the accomplishment I'm most proud of today.

Seeing founders being able to raise their first round of funding, find their first customers, or get to product-market-fit with the help of their mentors is incredibly impactful. The incredible feeling that we're building something that matters and impacts people's lives.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner or a founder is dealing with massive ambiguity and uncertainty. Making good decisions under these circumstances is challenging at best, and often you don't know if it was a good or a wrong decision until after you've made it.

It can be incredibly tough to deal with a high volume of uncertain outcomes, so managing stress and showing up daily is vital. I always strive to control the things I actually can control and try not to worry too much about the things I can't. Easier said than done, of course, and I'm still working on this myself.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Ask for advice from people that have walked the path before you –– it will save you precious time and give you invaluable insights.
  2. Always believe in yourself –– you're closer to your goals than you think.
  3. Develop healthy habits –– don't neglect sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mentor.cam/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentorcam

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/runelohrhauge/
https://www.instagram.com/mentor.cam/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/runehauge/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentorcam/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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