Do you have a business mentor?
When you’re starting out, the chances are you’ve thought of everything from your marketing to your cash flow to finding the right premises. But have you thought about finding a mentor for your business?
A mentor is a big boost for business owners at all stages, but especially those just starting out.
So what can a mentor do for you?
Business Knowledge
When you work with a mentor, you’re working with someone who knows their way around the business world.
Their business knowledge is invaluable for your business. Whether you’re trying to find your way through the maze of taxes, or trying to figure out how to get started with employing people in your business, a mentor can help you.
Even if they don’t have experience in your specific field, they’ll know what it’s like to meet the day to day challenges of running a business, and will pass that knowledge on to you.
Wisdom from Experience
As the article, “Why You Need a Mentor and Where to Find One” says, real life know-how comes with experience. No matter how well educated or trained you are, nothing beats the wisdom you gain from experience.
There’s no short cut for experience and the knowledge it brings. However a mentor is as good as a short cut. A mentor can tell you the things they’ve learned over their time in business.
You’ll be able to learn from their mistakes and triumphs, avoiding the pitfalls that caught them out, and benefiting from the things that worked for them. You can take that knowledge and mold it to fit your own business.
Moral Support
Being in business can be tough, especially when you’re starting out.
From cash flow problems to struggling to get the right customers, there will be days when you wonder if you’re doing the right thing.
A mentor can help you through the rough spots.
They can offer a listening ear and empathy, from someone who has been there and knows exactly what you’re going through.
Your mentor can also give you hope that there is a way through the hard times, and prove to you that with dedication and determination, you can make it.
Fresh Ideas
Sometimes you just need a fresh perspective.
No matter how new or how experienced you are in business, sometimes you’ll hit a problem you just can’t see the way past. That’s where a mentor can help.
Regardless of whether they’re experienced in your specific industry, a mentor brings a fresh perspective to any situation. They’ll spot solutions and new approaches that you might not have noticed, because you don’t have an outside view.
It’s not just about solving specific problems, either.
Sometimes your mentor will spot an even better way of approaching something that seems to be working ok, making your business even better.
Motivation and Accountability
Motivation is key to success in business. You’ll need to keep going through the good times and bad, and keep your goals in mind.
A mentor can help you do just that. By helping you set goals and providing an example of success in business, a mentor will motivate you to keep going.
Working with a mentor also encourages accountability, as you talk to them about previous issues and what you’ve been doing to deal with them.
A good mentor is worth their weight in gold for your business.
You’ll benefit from their experience and wisdom, empowering you to make the best decisions for your business from the outset.
Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com
About the Author: Tristan Anwyn writes on a variety of topics including social media, how to build customer relationships, content marketing and how to work with a business mentor.
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