Mentors can help turn business ideas into reality

Many people have great business ideas and all they need to turn the idea into reality is a little support, guidance and mentoring along the way.

Being a start-up and small business operator can be very isolating.

Issues about trust, confidentiality and competition can also make it harder for business owners to open up and talk to others.

This is where the role of a business mentor, an advisor or coach can assist.

A mentor is someone who serves as a counsellor or guide. They can offer fresh, experienced insight and have no emotional attachment to your business.

An independent mentor can reflect ideas, evoke solutions and support their implementation in a way that few insiders could never do.

Where can you find business mentors?

• State Government business mentor programs, such as Small Biz Connect
• Business networking organisations.
• An appropriate industry association.
• Asking friends, relatives and colleagues.

Chances are you will be discussing confidential aspects of your business. So before kicking off, consider signing a confidentiality agreement with your business mentor.
This document can help clarify what needs to stay private before anything commercially sensitive is shared.
To get the most out of your mentor, prepare for the sessions and follow up on them. Before you meet, think about what you want to get out of the session, and afterwards reflect on how you can use any insights.
ETC has been offering business mentoring programs throughout the Mid North Coast for 24 years and can currently offer business mentoring in the Hastings through the NSW Government funded Small Biz Connect program.
Pix Jonasson from Success Dynamics Group, a Port Macquarie-based events, media, marketing and PR business, accessed a business mentor through the Small Biz Connect program to help set new goals for her business and refine her service delivery.
“Since my involvement with Small Biz Connect I have secured national high profile clients, speakers and events out of my local region. The power of the right networking, referrals, mentoring and excellent customer service cannot be overstated,” Ms Jonasson said.
“Now my core services are clearly defined and are a great fit for my clients’ needs.”