The Value of a Mentor in Business Success

 

Being successful in today’s world has a lot to do with determination and perseverance. With both of those key factors in play, along with a bit of help from the connections you’ve made networking along the way, you’ve basically set yourself up for success in the business industry.

 

It’s very likely your professional connections consist of those with many different profiles. Hopefully, that includes at least one or more persons you would consider a business “mentor.”

 

A business mentor can be the missing key that will unlock so many doors for you in the present, as well as in the future, throughout your work or career journey.

 

How can a business mentor be like a magic wand for business or career success?

 

Oftentimes, it is easy to find a mentor who will be willing to help you out for several reasons. For example, they may have had a mentor who helped them at one time. Or they might just want to give back and pay forward breaks or assistance they’ve received along their way to success.

 

A mentor’s role in your own success story can vary but often includes some combination of the following:

• Providing knowledge and insight regarding best practices for your job or industry
• Helping you to navigate corporate relationships
• Lending an ear – or seasoned perspective – on challenges you might encounter
• Giving wisdom, guidance, and more in other areas like problem-solving, growth strategies, and even work-life balance

 

Because of the many ways mentors can help you avoid potential pitfalls and attract success, a business mentor will usually have a positive impact on the growth of your business, expanded network, and even possibly, your personal relationships too!

 

Do I Really Need a Mentor Today—In the Technology Age?

 

Ever wonder, “Why do I need a mentor when I can find the answer to nearly everything online, without help?”

 

This is the era of technology and instant knowledge.  Meaning, nearly anything you’d like to know is right at the tips of your fingers. A standard online search can quickly give you at least a basis of anything you are seeking.

 

However, a “basis” is only going to get you so far. Advice you can find online will only provide advice to a general audience, not you specifically.  This is where your mentor comes in…

 

Usually, he or she will have a greater depth of professional experience than you do at the moment. Thus, a mentor can pick up right where the page ends and help you translate strategies and tactics you find to fit your specific route in your business or career.

 

Consequently, over time, your mentor will likely become a trusted friend in your life that you turn to for advice, and even when you’d like an extra mind with whom to brainstorm.

 

Here are 3 other ways and reasons having a business mentor is smart…

 

1. You’re now “THE BOSS”

Once your business has left the ground, you will no longer have a boss to turn to who will tell you what to do and when to do it for the best results. It is now up to you to be the boss.  Yet, nearly everyone could use a second opinion or someone to bounce ideas off when making decisions, considering ideas, or solving problems. A mentor can fill that gap.

 

2. You can build your network faster

It’s quite likely that your mentor has already built an extensive social network and thus, can offer you some contacts they think you’ll might benefit from knowing.

 

3. Wisdom comes with experience

Having a mentor is like having a wise older sibling or close relative—you can learn from their mistakes rather than having to learn the hard way. Mentors have “been there and done that” so they have a solid basis of knowledge regarding what works and what doesn’t. By them sharing that experience with you, you can likely save some time, energy, and money in the long run.