Successful entrepreneurs know the importance of finding a good mentor.

Mentoring is a proven technique that allows people to learn from those who are more knowledgeable in a particular area.  People from all walks of life, including professionals, clerical staff, entrepreneurs, and even executive staff, take advantage of mentoring as a way to break out of their own boundaries and achieve their goals.

There are two roles in the mentoring process – the mentor and the protégé.  In most cases, the protégé seeks a mentor, either through formal mentoring programs or on their own initiative.  The protégé either applies through a program or approaches the mentor, asking for guidance in a particular area.  Once the mentor has agreed, the two will meet regularly, usually once or twice a month.  The mentor does not tell the protégé what to do; rather, the mentor provides guidance and ideas on how the protégé can strengthen weak areas that are keeping her from achieving her goals.  This is a mutually beneficial relationship; the protégé receives guidance and advice, and the mentor often learns from instructing the protégé and enjoys helping others.

For example, a person in a management role who is seeking to advance her career into the executive structure may seek out an executive to be a mentor.  The manager would self-assess her own strengths and weaknesses; the executive would give her ideas on how to build her skills to prepare for an executive role, and may point out skills that need to be built that the manager had not considered.

Entrepreneurs can also benefit from the mentoring process.  Managing a successful business requires a diverse skill set and the willingness to constantly update skills as the market changes.  Business owners may seek out mentors with expertise in specific business management areas or with expertise in a particular industry.

As you work with a SCWBC business coach, you will receive many of the same benefits as you would with a mentor in a formal mentoring program.  Our goal is to help you become more successful each year as a business owner, and we want to partner with you for the life of your business.  However, there are certain situations where you may need to draw on very specific expertise in a particular area, or you may wish to engage a mentor from another source in addition to working with the SCWBC.

The Aspen Institute sponsors the MicroMentoring program for low-income entrepreneurs.  You can apply to be a mentor or find a mentor online.  http://www.micromentor.org/index.html

If you are thinking about starting a business, follow our proven four step plan.  If you are already in business, request a consultation with a business coach to get started.