Section 11
Working with mentors
Mentors are a force multiplier when you bring them a sharp question. They're a time sink when you bring vibes.
Four advice-only mentor types
AI / Prompt mentor
Help with prompting strategy, AI component design, and structured outputs.
Full-Stack mentor
Help with architecture decisions, data shape, and unblocking technical confusion.
Product / UX mentor
Help with scope, the user flow, and what your demo screen should focus on.
Marketing / Growth mentor
Help with the business story — who it's for, why it matters, how to pitch it.
Set expectations
- Mentors provide advice, not code.
- Ask mentors about approach, not tiny bugs.
- Come with a clear question.
Bring this to every conversation
- Your problem in one sentence.
- Your V1 goal.
- What you've already tried.
- The decision you need help with.
Don't ask
'Is my idea good?' or 'What should I build?' — those can't be answered in five minutes. Decide first, then ask for a check.
Do
Time-box the conversation: five minutes, one sharp question, one decision. Then back to building.