As a solopreneur or freelancer, it’s easy to end up in a position where you are working far longer hours than when you were someone else’s employee. What’s worse, it can often be for less money. If you really want to take your business to the next level (and achieve a profit and a good work-life balance), it’s probably time to start investing in business mentoring.
Having a business mentor — an expert in business to support and guide you — could make the difference between having a business that is just surviving and one that is thriving.
Why Paying for Business Mentoring is an Investment
There are so many fantastic free business resources out there, so why should you pay for a business mentor? When your business is in its early days, you want to only spend on things that are absolutely necessary.
Free training and webinars are a great place to start, but they are limited. Their scope and advice is not tailored to you and your business.
The outcome? It could be financial stagnation. The opposite of what a business mentor can help you achieve.
Your family and friends can be a great support system for you as you go about your business ventures, but they usually lack the business experience and know-how that you need.
A business mentor uses their knowledge, skills and experience to help you master the business basics, business development, and business growth.
Why is this important?
Passion for What You Do is a Must, but Business Skills are an Essential
Often, solopreneurs and freelancers start a business to follow their passion. This means they are brilliant at the thing they are passionate about, but don’t necessarily have a business background or the business skills they need.
When you invest in a business mentor, you will be able to learn from them and expand your knowledge. You can learn from their mistakes instead of making your own.
Case in point. I always say to my clients “I made all the mistakes, so you don’t have to!”, which for many solopreneurs and freelancers could spell the end of their business.
Through this process, you will get an unbiased perspective on your business (no rose-coloured glasses here!).
Your personal connections may avoid telling you the truth to avoid damaging your relationship. A business mentor will give you their honest opinion on where your business is at and what you need to do to achieve your strategic goals.
The outcome? Total accountability and the push you may need to get things done.
Your business mentor will give you the confidence you need to make some of those scary business decisions you have been putting off. And, when you’ve done a good job, they will be the first person to give you the round of applause you deserve!
Ready To Take the Next Step?
If you want a steady, supportive approach to your business, check out my One-to-One Support for solopreneurs and freelancers. I can help you take running your business from a chore to the rewarding experience it should be.
I also offer a Clarity Call to kickstart your understanding of what you need to do to take your business forward.
Don’t wait. Get in touch.
And it is so true as business owners we are often to close to see what is actually happening or to spot a different approach.
That is so true, Adrienne. I describe myself as a helicopter. I can hover over a business and see things that the person who is totally invested in what they are doing (the business owner) can’t see. There is also a question of skills. Some people who start a business don’t necessarily have the business skills they need. Highlighting those too is essential.