- By Buckinghamshire Business First
- 21 May, 2015
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In my role at BBF, good quality mentoring is one of the services most requested by businesses large and small. But how does it work, what are the benefits and where can these elusive mentors be found?
One online definition I found of a mentor is simple: “an experienced and trusted adviser.” This is pretty simplistic though, and there are many experienced and trusted advisers that appear to make a good living from being just that.
However, I believe a true mentor is someone who establishes a relationship with an individual and guides, encourages, and supports them to their success by sharing their knowledge and expertise. It can be a formal and paid for arrangement with clearly defined goals and scheduled meeting times and dates, or an informal and voluntary role with occasional meetings or email exchanges.
When I started my own business I was lucky enough to stumble across a mentor who very generously offered me his time, advice and expertise (and copious amounts of coffee) which made all the difference to me and my business in those first few months. He offered an impartial and realistic view of my business idea and helped me in many very real and practical ways. He was my “sounding board” and gave me the self belief and confidence to approach clients I would never have dreamed of. He also suggested changes to my pricing strategy and even introduced me to clients of his that he thought would be valuable to my own business – and they were. Furthermore, some time later when my business was more firmly established, but my family life was suffering, another mentor offered her impartial advice, support and encouragement to make the necessary changes that brought me to Buckinghamshire Business First where I am able to help other businesses. I know that this is a decision I would not have arrived at without the support of a mentor.
Imagine what difference a mentor could make to your business? Or, if you feel you have the necessary skills, time and experience think about the difference you could make to another business. I have no doubts that a mentor can work for any business, and I am not alone in this. Below are a couple of nationwide organisations that offer more information about mentoring:
I am on a mission to create a local bank of mentors based in and around Buckinghamshire who are prepared to help other local businesses. Do you have some spare time and an appetite to share your skills, expertise and knowledge with others to help them develop successful businesses? Buckinghamshire Business First can help facilitate these sessions and signpost you to any funding that is available to support this type of activity.
If you are interested in finding out more, please call 01494 568941.
