If you want your business to thrive (not just survive), you need to invest in a business mentor. There are lots of freebie mentoring opportunities out there that you and your business can take advantage of. But, remember, you often get what you pay for (or don’t pay for in the freebie option!) So, how do you find a business mentor worth paying for?
A business mentor is a professional who works with business owners to help them tackle any practical and personal issues they are struggling with in starting and growing their business.
In a previous blog, I outlined all the benefits of having a mentor to guide and support you and your business as it grows. Think expertise, a confidence boost, and much more.
Now I’m going to explain what you should look for in a business mentor and how you can find a mentor worth paying for (like me 😀).
Choosing Your Ideal Business Mentor
Let’s get one thing straight right away: the best business mentors aren’t the most expensive ones. You shouldn’t choose a business mentor solely based on price because an expensive mentor isn’t always better.
In the same vein, a cheap one isn’t always good value.
So, how do you go about finding the right mentor for your business?
Start by asking around! The people in your network or other connection may have worked with a business mentor before and could recommend who you should turn to.
Does Your Business Mentor Have to Have Experience of Your Industry?
You should be active in your industry — in person and online on networking platforms such as LinkedIn — to identify people in your field who may be a good mentor for you. But remember, they may not have the skills, or qualifications, to be the best business mentor for you.
A mentor within your industry (especially those with a similar business to yours) will have a unique understanding of your sector. If you have someone in mind, focus on building a relationship with them first before asking them to become your mentor on a more formal basis.
But remember, they may not be best placed to understand the business challenges that you are facing. Or have solutions to enable you to solve those challenges.
With your business mentor, you need someone who knows business. Someone who has been through what you are going through now to provide tailored, actionable business advice.
Other Helpful Hints to Know if a Business Mentor is Worth Paying For
Every reputable business mentor will have a track record of helping their clients achieve their goals. So, what are those clients saying about the business mentor you are considering paying for?
Check out their website for testimonials or reviews – always a good source of information.
More importantly look for client case studies. These should be more, in-depth descriptions of the work previous clients have undertaken with the business mentor you are considering. They should also show the outcomes for the business owner.
You can use these to see if there are any similarities between what you are struggling with or attempting to achieve. Case studies can speak volumes about a business mentor’s approach and the breadth of their experience.
Should Your Business Mentor be Qualified?
In my opinion, yes. his is a totally different relationship to seeking help and support from someone you know who can provide a few nuggets of inspiration along the way.
If you are entering a business arrangement and paying for a business mentor, you should be looking for someone with a business mentoring qualification.
Passion is what usually drives a person to start their businesses. Solopreneurs, freelancers, coaches and consultants don’t lack drive. What they often lack are the business skills and experience.
That’s why choosing a business mentor – someone worth paying for – should be based on their business knowledge, experience and qualifications.
Want to See if I’m the Right Fit for You? Book a Conversation
If you feel like you’ve been doing all the right things for your business, but you still aren’t seeing the results you want, I can help you. And you can put that to the test with a freebie conversation designed specifically for you to find out if I’m the right business mentor for you.
My business mentoring coaching services include a CLARITY CALL devoted to problem-solving, creative planning and easy, next-step actions today. If you want to take a slow and steady approach to your business growth, I also offer ONE-TO-ONE MENTORING to help you grow, make changes and become more profitable. Finally, don’t forget the group option of THE 360 CLUB, a really cost-effective way to get the help and support you need.