The Power of Mentoring
By Chas Morrison of Business Link
A mentor can assist a business owner/M.D. by asking them the questions that they need to be able to answer in order to run the business most effectively, by adding insights gained from experiences elsewhere in the commercial world, by agreeing milestones for the upcoming period, and by encouraging the business owners to improve continually.
Whereas a consultant is often engaged to complete a task for the business, the skill of the mentor includes the creation of an environment in which the business owners can maximise profits, improve trading conditions, explore new markets, etc. The mentor is best viewed as a facilitator.
An Holistic Approach
The trained mentor will look at the business with a holistic approach, possibly returning to a specific area (e.g. marketing) but only after exploring all the main aspects of the business.
Many businesses find advisers through personal recommendations from business contacts, existing advisers and friends. Your local Business Link offers initial advice free of charge and may have specialist advisers that match your needs. Other useful sources of advice include your local chambers of commerce and your trade association. You can also approach the relevant professional body to ask for names of members in your area who offer the services you want.
Whichever route you take, it's essential to check that the adviser suits your particular circumstances. Ideally, you want an adviser who:
- understands your industry
- has worked with businesses your size
- has experience of any particular issues you want to deal with
- holds any necessary qualifications
- is a member of an appropriate professional body or trade association
Choose Carefully
Be sure to check references in advance, and ensure that any contract for services lays out the desired outcomes from the relationship, with milestones. Do not contract for a long relationship until you are ready to commit to doing so. Mistakes can be expensive, so choose carefully!
Chas Morrison
Adviser Team Manager
Business Link Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Tel: 0845 600 9006
info@businesslinksoutheast.co.uk
www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast
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