We love our business and that has a lot to do with our relationship and our passion for the work we do. However, running a business can be a lonely experience. It often involves having to make difficult decisions on your own, as the decisions may affect or directly relate to a business partner or because the buck stops with you. At times, you can feel that you have no one to turn to for advice and support.

We have found over the years, that the experience and guidance of a high calibre mentor can make the difference between success and failure. The following tips and thoughts will help you to decide if the time is right for you to find yourself a mentor, and help you to make the most of the mentoring experience.

What is a Mentor?

Simply put, a mentor provides a second opinion, offering constructive feedback from an individual experienced in either running a business or in your specific field of interest. The idea is that their support will advise and encourage you in your role as decision maker for the company. A mentor gives you access to a different perspective on events or issues that arise within your business, offering impartial advice.

Myths about mentors.

People often have varied opinions about mentors and their roles. This varied perspective on the role of the mentor can prevent you getting the most out of the mentoring relationship.

  • Your mentor is not someone who will do all the work for you or try to take over.
  • They are not an employee, but are there to help.
  • Your mentor is not a business consultant in disguise and your mentor will most certainly not be running the business for you.
  • They can share their experience and, with you at the helm, help guide your business to success.

What makes a good mentor?

The characteristics of a good mentor will vary depending on you and on your business. You need to find someone with whom you are comfortable working. One person may value a friendly, easy-going relationship with a mentor, whilst another may prize a mentor with knowledge and technical skills. However, it is important that a mentor maintains a positive outlook and a high energy level with a desire to help your business grow. Ideally, they will have hands on experience of running a business and preferably in your field.

What a mentor can bring to your business

A mentor can bring a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to your company as well as widening your network of business contacts. Mentoring can also help you personally, building confidence in your own skills, decision-making and problem solving abilities.

Avoid problems through planning

Problems arise within mentoring relationships when expectations and objectives are misunderstood. To overcome this you should first determine how a mentor could best help your business and work out what you want to learn in advance. Set specific goals, whether they are tactical (learning how a particular job is done) or strategic (learning what and why something is done). Also, set out a specific timescale to achieve your goals.

Lay out ground rules and set boundaries

Set boundaries and ground rules at the beginning of the relationship as this will help things to run smoothly from the start. A good mentor will be someone who also has very clear boundaries. You should remember that a mentor will challenge your ideas and thoughts from time to time; this should be seen as constructive criticism rather than overstepping the mark.

What’s in it for them?

Effective mentoring requires time and effort on the part of the mentor, but they usually give their time free. In turn, they will have the opportunity to develop their own skills and increase their contact base. For a number of mentors the joy of watching someone grow and develop is reward enough.

Make mentoring a strategic business imperative

The guidance and wisdom of someone unconnected to your business will be critical to its success, especially in its formative years. Expert impartial advice is priceless.

Commitment

Demonstrate your commitment to the success of the mentoring relationship. Make appointments and stick to them, come to meetings prepared, ensure you complete the work you agreed to do. Ask questions, offer ideas but remember be prepared to listen. Take an interest in your mentor.

In the end, your mentor will become not only your advisor, but also your friend and confidante. That doesn’t happen instantly-building trust and personal interest takes time. You set the tone at the outset of the relationship by demonstrating your commitment to the process.

If you’d like to learn more about mentoring, here are a couple of great articles you may wish to read Value of a business mentor or choosing a business mentor .