As with many small business start-ups, I have sourced and found some incredible mentors over the years – people whose guidance and advice have helped immeasurably when it’s come to achieving success, both personally and professionally. Coming from a high level management capacity working for others I knew I had the capacity to create and produce some brilliant tools to assist clients, manage my time, and gain new business. I realised very quickly however that I didn’t have the tools to deal with some of the personal issues that popped up from time to time around me. These issues ranged from self-doubt, self-sabotage to “am I doing it right?” This is where my mentors fitted in, as well as providing me with the latest advise in many speciality areas.
Using a mentor
Mentors can assist you with so many different aspects of your business, and some are very specific, such as Linked IN Marketing experts, or creating video blogs. Others have covered a wide range of areas of my business, and brought in other experts where needed. They can come to you, you go to them, or dial in via the internet. The world is so accessible now. Sometimes I have worked in groups, or alone; one on one. There are benefits to both methods and seriously it is really about you, and the amount you wish to apply the new learnings.
Finding a mentor
So how did I find these mentors? When I reflect back on how most of those people came to be mentors of mine, I can see a common thread – I’d signed up and paid them money for their course (online), or attending an event, or buying their e-book (as some examples).
Most of the time I didn’t realise I was looking for a mentor. I probably was looking for an answer, and it was always just a nice side-effect to find a mentor, one who spoke my language and I knew could support me. Some of these mentors have stayed with me for years. For me this is important, as they know who I am, know the service I offer, and can easily support me with solutions if I need advice.
Over the years I have noticed that when we pay someone you admire for their services it is a quick and easy way to get some awesome advice. Advice that we respect and can implement. It is in the mentors interest to be invested in your success as it indicates they’re doing a good job. So naturally, they’re inclined to provide advice and guidance above and beyond the services you’re paying for. One of these wise people once told me that people don’t respect you or your advice, unless they pay for it. I have found this to be very true.
Whilst my business has grown and improved, I have found the key to my success is looking after me. Making sure I am supporting myself with my business growth. To do this I consult my mentors.