Today the 27th October is National Mentoring Day, so what better day to share my thoughts and experience on the subject.
I am a mentor, both within my business to my clients, but also a Virgin Start-up Mentor. I became a mentor because I am so passionate about helping others as I believe that had I reached out years ago when I was in the throes of launching my food brand and found myself a mentor, that my journey wouldn’t have been as negatively challenging (I am all up for a challenge, but looking back, some things didn’t need to be there).
Personally, mentoring gives me the opportunity to make a difference to the success of others, which absolutely makes my heart sing!
I have learned my lesson 100%, and now have a mentor. I also worked with a mentor to write by book The Winning Mix which I released last month. I whole hardheartedly believe that had I not I wouldn’t be in such a positive place in my business right now.
Here are just 3 reasons why I believe having a mentor is a must:
- They will have made all the mistakes. Why would you want to repeat the same mistakes, or maybe even more? Working with the right mentor can I believe save you time, money and sanity. This is the guarantee I give to readers of my book, to save them at least one of the above, if not all 3. They will have the experience having been in your shoes at one time or another, to prevent you from making the same mistakes. Some mistakes can be irretrievable from. A mentor will share their own experiences, learnings, failures, knowledge and wisdom which can be of such amazing help; a proven way. Just one piece of sound advice could be the difference you sorely need at any given time
- A strong network. A mentor will often have strong relationships, networks and connections to share and help to propel you forwards faster than if you were on your own. I have found this working with my mentors and have also been in the privileged position to help my mentees in this way with my network. The time it does without a doubt take to nurture relationships is huge…to have ready access to these through your mentor can be invaluable.
- They see things you can’t. A fresh perspective is always a good thing. Your mentor can challenge you, this can either push you faster to the right course of action, or help illuminate flaws so you can change course. A good mentor has the ability to draw out of you that which in a way you already know, but you just need someone to objectively help you reach that point. I am always brutally honest with my mentees (and believe me have been on the receiving end of that too, and once I’ve licked my wounds, they have been proven right!), and tell you exactly how it is rather than brush over any excuses/procrastination I see…but I genuinely believe to be a good mentor this is necessary.
Here’s a few statistics about mentoring:
- Research has shown that 70 percent of small businesses that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, which is double the rate compared with non-mentored entrepreneurs. Source: FSB
- 93 percent of small and medium sized businesses acknowledge that mentoring can help them to succeed. Source: Sage.com
- 67 percent of businesses reported an increase in productivity due to mentoring. Source: mentorsme
- 55 percent of businesses felt that mentoring had a positive impact on their PROFITS. Source: mentorsme
So whats is going to be gorgeous foodies?
Do you want to go fast, alone? Or do you want to go further together?
If you’d like to know how I can help you in your business…by the mentor in your corner, having your back, get in touch, let’s have a chat!
Join me over on social @foodguideclaire or drop me an email to [email protected]
Claire x