Going it alone in business, no matter what sector you are working in, might sound like an exciting prospect but the reality can often be quite different. It is hard work, and you will find that there are questions raised and problems faced that you aren’t sure about at all. Over time, you will develop the experience and skills to deal with anything that comes your way, but at the start, you won’t have this knowledge, and it can be difficult. Having a business mentor to help guide you and see you through the difficulties at the beginning can be priceless. In fact, there are many reasons to find a business mentor, including the two below.
They’ve Been There & They Know the Right People
A good business mentor is one who has already been through everything you have been through and come out the other side with a successful, profitable business. This is the kind of person you need to find and ask for help because they will be able to guide you past the pitfalls that others will inevitably fall into. They can show you where to find bargains such as competitively-priced professional PCB software, the best lease vehicles, excellent accountants, and much more. No matter what you need, they will be able to show you where to find it and how to utilize it to your best advantage.
Networking is an essential part of growing a business, but when you are working alone, it can be difficult to ascertain exactly where you should go and who you should be speaking to. Gaining an introduction to the right people isn’t always easy and can take a long time. With a mentor who already knows the people you want to talk to, the introductions won’t take so long, and you can be talking to those who can help you quickly. Since you will have been introduced, there will be an element of trust already built into the meeting, which will also help you to be able to ask for what you want.
Reassurance & Emotional Strength
It’s not easy to start a business, and it can feel incredibly daunting, especially if (or rather when) you are faced with significant challenges. Feeling unsure about everything can make decisions difficult, and in the end, you could fail simply because you were afraid to take a step forward. With a mentor by your side, you don’t have to feel afraid, and you will find the confidence to build your business and make the decisions that need to be made. A mentor is like a safety net in this respect, offering guidance and advice where needed and allowing you to go it alone when necessary.
As well as reassurance in terms of business decisions, a mentor can offer you emotional strength as well. When you are feeling emotionally drained, your business and your home life can suffer. Just a small dip can cause big problems. Having a mentor to help pick you up and set you out on the right path again is something that can be a big help.