Introduction
It’s common knowledge that you need a support system when you’re starting a business or a new career. That’s why so many people start by networking. You’ll need help answering questions about your industry and the best way to approach things, especially when it comes to more risky decisions or legal issues. But what if I told you that mentorship could be even more valuable than networking? Sound too good to be true? Not at all! In fact, having a mentor is one of the best things you can do for your business or career, and below are several reasons.
You get to ask the tough questions.
We have all heard there is no such thing as a dumb question. Yet, put us in a room full of strangers and ask who has a question, and everyone is silent. Indeed, we all have questions; however, we don’t want to look foolish in front of everyone else. A good mentor will make you feel comfortable and build a relationship with you. Ultimately, this will help you to feel confident that you can ask anything you want.
Anything important to your personal growth and development as a professional will be of interest to a good mentor. The more specific and detailed your questions are, the better chance you have to get precisely what you need from working with someone who has been in your industry for some time and knows their stuff.
You build valuable new relationships.
Mentors are not just for helping you build your business or career. They can also help you build strong relationships with people in your network and even people who are not yet connected to you. Your mentor can introduce you to new people and help make introductions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for you on your own.
You may find that having a mentor will open more doors than ever before. There are many benefits of having a mentor in business, but mostly it’s the opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, and develop your skills.
You find a great support system.
Mentors can help you overcome challenges, set goals, and achieve them. They can also be a great source of business advice and provide support when things aren’t going so well. Furthermore, a good mentor is important because they’ve been in your shoes before, so they know exactly what you’re feeling and what challenges you are facing. They can offer valuable insights into handling specific challenges or situations without going through trial and error.
You can progress in your career or business faster.
A good mentor will help you progress in your career or business faster. They can point out the big picture, show you what’s coming up, and advise you on how to handle it. They can also help you develop your business skills, which is essential if you’re just starting out with a new company or trying to take your career in a new direction. A good mentor will give you a different perspective on things. They can see situations from another point of view than your own, which can help you think about things in new ways.
I have been in business for years; do I really need a mentor?
You may think that because you’re already an expert in your field or you’ve been doing this for years, there’s no one who could possibly teach you anything new. But there are always things to learn, and mentors are a great way to get those lessons.
A mentor doesn’t just tell you what to do—they help guide you along the way. They’ll be there for advice and feedback when you need it, but they also give you space to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes on your own.
What if I don't have time for a mentor?
Working with a mentor doesn’t have to be a big commitment. You can do it through Zoom, email, phone calls, or in-person. Most mentors are happy to help in whatever way they can—even if that means just answering a question every now and then. The level of time and commitment will vary on your specific needs.
So, how do I find a good mentor?
First, think about what kind of person you’d like to have as a mentor. Do they share your values? Do they have the experience that can help guide your career or business in a particular direction? If you don’t know where to start, reach out to people who work in similar fields and ask for their advice or feedback on projects or ideas. You can also try asking friends and family members if they know anyone who could be helpful—they might even recommend someone themselves!
Here are some other resources for mentorship
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you should never underestimate the value of having a mentor. If you don’t have one already, it’s time to find one!
