Mentoring offers advantages for you that may be important when you are starting off in business.
For Mentees:
- Knowledge and Skill Development: Mentees can gain valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise from experienced mentors. This can help them navigate their career, academic pursuits, or personal development more effectively.
- Increased Confidence: Mentoring can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Knowing that someone is there is important, not only during your start up phase, but also for that issue that can arise unexpectedly.
- Networking Opportunities: Mentees often have access to their mentors’ professional networks, which can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and connections.
- Career Advancement: Mentoring can provide guidance on career choices, goal setting, and strategies for advancement, helping mentees make informed decisions and progress in their careers more quickly.
- Personal Growth: Mentees can receive guidance on personal development, such as time management, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, which can benefit them in various aspects of life.
- Feedback and Accountability: Mentors provide constructive feedback and hold mentees accountable for their actions and goals, helping them stay on track and make necessary improvements.
I would caution against getting involved up front with a mentor when you are in your very initial phases, especially if they are going to charge you. There are some free mentoring programmes available via organisations set up to promote veterans as well as government departments.
Sadly, there are a few who will take advantage of start ups to charge fees that they need to maintain their life, rather than being the best fit for you or your business. Networking allows you to meet with people to help you with the initial stages and we can also signpost and answer some questions here.
