Why You Should Have A Business Mentor

| Friday, July 12, 2013
By Dorothy J. Cowan


Whether you're starting or expanding your business, there may come a point where you're unsure of your next steps. Having a business mentor will help diminish the doubts you may have regarding certain decisions.

A business mentor is an individual who possesses several years of experience in the entrepreneurial arena and is capable of guiding others with their business ventures. This person becomes your trusted confidante as you maneuver your way through the ups and downs of your business. This mentorship may last for several months or years depending on the type of counsel you're seeking.

Then you talk to your up-line sponsor Billy, who really has no more of a clue than you do about approaching your warm market. He gives you some advice from a few notes he took the day he met the big wigs, and from his up-line leader.The problem is, Billy is no more plugged into the system and trainings than you are.Let's say that Billy does go to his sponsor for advice, (Shelly) who is also somewhat new. Shelly has gotten advice from her sponsor (Kevin) who has only been in the business for 6 months, (and Shelly is the only one Kevin has ever sponsored).

Everyone in business should consider having access to a volunteer business mentor. Someone who has "been there, done that" and is willing and able to share their wisdom with you on an ongoing basis. Working with a business mentor is particularly useful when starting a new business or looking to grow a business in a down economy. An experienced mentor can not only offer useful guidance on a range of business management issues, but s/he can be a valuable sounding board for testing out new ideas or hashing over periodic business challenges.

Provide you with emotional support. You're no longer in a job setting where you take orders from a boss. Therefore, you'd have no one to turn to for advice on what's your next task. Now that you're a business owner, the ball is in your court. Although you're alone, your entrepreneurial journey does not have to be desolate. Your mentor can fill the gap by providing you with emotional support. If you require a second opinion on a matter, he can provide you with the clarity required to move forward.

Here are 4 strategies to finding a Business Mentor that are sure to work. Look to the top producers in your own company first.Many MLM companies send out a monthly email praising recent top income earners. Work you way down the list, it's quite possible one of them is already a business mentor and would be happy to help out.know someone they respect who is.There are hundreds if not thousands of online forums that you can hook up with. Do a Google search for MLM Forums and you will be surprised how many are available.A favorite place of mine is the BetterNetworker. Leaders from just about every MLM company belong to BetterNetworker. I am sure you can make a great connection here.Depending upon your circle of friends on FB & Twitter, you should be able to reach out and make a request by posting on your news feed or with a simple tweet. If you're not using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter in your marketing strategy, it's a great way to connect with a leader and business mentor.

Furthermore, due to the high demand of these coaches and consultants, you may find it challenging to secure a spot with them. Mentors, on the other hand, are readily available to share their expertise with you at no cost.Serve as a stepping stone to expand your network. As your relationship with your business mentor develops, you may have the opportunity to meet other business owners in his network.




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