Do you have a business mentor or a "tribe" of people you can rely on to build your business acumen? I'm not talking about your insurance agent, financial adviser, banker or other valued business adviser. I'm talking about the people you desire to model because you respect their knowledge and skillset.
They might not work in your industry but you can relate to their business. Your relationship isn't competitive, and there's no place for jealousy. They encourage you, and you can confide in and rely on them for accountability. Your mentor helps you grow your business.
Wait. You don't have a business mentor?
You're not alone. I've worked remotely in rural America for several different companies, which has helped build my business network, connections and acumen. My husband's first career was in corporate sales and management. He also developed a network of mentors. Ten years ago, based on our experiences and support from our mentors, we were able to return to rural North Dakota to help my husband's family business as second-generation owners.
Through the years, I've always turned to my mentors for their wisdom and advice when I was presented with an opportunity. As I transitioned from working at an advertising agency, to state government, to communications consulting, writing and speaking, and finally, this past summer being named publisher and general manager of Agweek, my mentors provided the encouragement and reality check I needed.
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Both my husband and I were raised by parents who own small businesses, which gave us a foundation to pursue our own dreams and goals. Our parents are still actively involved in our lives and serve as mentors and partners. We don't always agree but we benefit from one another's perspective and experiences.
In a span of three days recently, I had four people contact me about specific business plan and financial questions. Each was working on growing his/her business venture and a couple of them specifically asked for my willingness to mentor them. I gave each my honest, raw advice and shared my experiences. While I continue to need personal and professional mentors, I'm now in the position to mentor others as time and opportunities allow.
What qualifications are important in a mentor? If it was a multiple choice question, I would answer none of the above. Those in my network who I've reached out to through the years are willing to share their wisdom and expertise and give of their time, whether that's on the phone, through an email or card, or over a cup of coffee. They are the first to congratulate me yet they don't shy away from offering constructive feedback. They have a positive outlook and are willing to reflect on their successes and failures to offer the insight I need to further develop my career.
Mentoring can start small through volunteering, attending a regional or statewide conference to expand your network or taking a class to simply learn more about a topic that interests you. It could start by volunteering your time in a Young Professionals Network group or even starting such a group, not merely for a social event but for business mentoring and growth.
As Walt Whitman said, and I paraphrase: When you give, give of yourself.
If you are willing to give and share your experiences you open yourself up to mentorship opportunities. By giving of yourself, growing others through shared experiences, you grow.
Let's build up one another to grow as individuals and businesses. Dig in and don't wait for someone to come to you. Small business ingenuity remains the cornerstone of American economic prosperity. Mentor. Let's build businesses together.
