If you ask a number of strong leaders how they got to the top, then you might get a variety of different answers; however, one thing is for certain: all of those leaders received some invaluable guidance at some point, from a trusted mentor. As a business owner, you are in a leadership position, and you can absolutely benefit from having a business mentor. Need some convincing? Here are some reasons why you need a business mentor (and how you can find one):
Perspective. The old saying that two heads are better than one is true especially for business. As a individual just starting out, you have a very limited perspective. A business mentor who has been around for a while can offer a viewpoint that you may never have even thought of, and can help you elevate your business thinking to higher levels.
Support. It never hurts to have someone behind you, cheering you on and providing support. Running a business is difficult, and there will be times when you feel that you don’t know what to do. You may even feel like throwing in the towel when you face an unexpected down turn. Your business mentor has been through all of this and can talk you down if need be, as well as build you up and encourage you to take necessary risks to grow.
Knowledge. Simply put, a business mentor with years of experience knows more than you do. By recruiting a mentor, you are able to learn about all of the complexities of business from someone who knows them through and through.
Finding the right business mentor for you. The simplest and easiest way to find a business mentor is to examine those business professionals you already admire. Chances are you have an old boss you feel comfortable asking for guidance, or you know of a business person who has consistently overachieved in your field. Inquire with these people first, to ask if they’d be willing to mentor you. If you need help finding a mentor, you will be pleased to find that there are resources all around you, just waiting to provide you with the help you need. Look into government programs like SCORE (run by the Small Business Association) and the Small Business Development Center for free mentorship, and inquire with industry trade associations to find mentorship opportunities that may be suited to you.
As you can see, there are some great reasons for why you need a business mentor. Consider these points and then explore your resources to find the right mentor for you. You won’t be sorry you did.
About the Author: Deborah Lane is an entrepreneur and has worked closely with a mentor for several years. She has discussed everything from whether or not to get an online loan to how to expand online and whether or not it is time to hire employees.
