Get All Access for $5/mo

Why There's a Growing Need to have a Mentor for Your Business An experienced mentor is a pro who can offer the right advice as well as knowledge regarding the particular industry which, even, the well-researched market reports fails to decipher

By BusinessEx Staff

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

Mentoring in business is similar to a teacher's role in a student's life. A teacher helps the student imbibe hard things, sharpens her/his skills and facilitates in one becoming an intelligent being who is ready to face the challenges of the world. Similarly, a mentor performs endless jobs to keep the A-level status of the business intact. She/he foresees events, steers the business in the right direction and gives advice on important matters.

Why Seek a Mentor?

If a first-time entrepreneur kicks off the business then there are numerous elements that the entrepreneur needs to know. An experienced mentor is a pro who can offer the right advice as well as knowledge regarding the particular industry, which even the well-researched market reports fail to decipher.

Aside from the investment, the mentor helps in various other areas of the business. Further, it should be known that sometimes one mentor may not be sufficiently equipped to steer the business and consequently, a businessman needs to approach two or more mentors to resolve business-related problems.

Reciprocating Channel between the Entrepreneurs and Mentors

After finding the right mentor, the business owner should not completely rely on the mentor for trivial matters. The exchange between the two pros, entrepreneurs and mentors, should be intellectual and mostly relatable to the business.

The entrepreneurs should not ask lame questions from mentors such as what to do now, or what's the solution of a specific business problem. Like mentors, the entrepreneurs should also possess certain knowledge of the industry. The grasped knowledge later helps out to find immediate solutions to the business-related problems. In case the accessible knowledge is not apt to resolve a particular issue, it's then the company needs to consult the mentor for guidance.

In such kind of situations, the veterans of the industry, mentors, give good pieces of advice to the companies which ultimately ensure smooth functioning of the business, without hampering its growth.

Things to Learn From a Mentor

Owing to an individual zest and focused nature, many times entrepreneurs do not feel to approach or take guidance from mentors. It is perceived that the business outline and associated business partners are sufficient to help the company if a problem arises. Though, that is not true in reality. Guidance or suggestions by the veteran are always fruitful and generates positive outcomes.

  • Experience Teaches Vital Lessons

Tons of lessons are taught when a mentor narrates his past experiences. The experience originally incorporates fiascos, cash crunches, recession, business closure and many more events like these.

The ability and mindfulness that can be used in dealing with such risky scenarios can only be taught by mentors. Thus, the influence of the mentor is significant for early start-ups.

  • Help Keep the Business Afloat

The first five years of startups are the crucial ones as the future of the company fully relies on the performance made during that time span. Thus, the startup company has to testify its mettle in the industry and for that, a mentor help is needed.

A mentor increases the chances of success by rendering well-thought decisions and monitoring the company's growth. In this way, the mentor helps lead the company in the right direction.

  • Gives a True Picture

When an entrepreneur steps in the industry, the newcomer envisions glittery images of earning millions as revenue and lots of recognition in the market. Mostly, new entrepreneurs are not prepared to meet fatal business disasters.

With the guidance of a mentor, the entrepreneur comes to know the real image of the business ecosystem. Aside from accessing the knowledge of the business fiascos, the entrepreneurs are also taught the vital ways to deal with problems.

These reasons state the importance of having a mentor for the business. The way a ship can't attain stability without an anchor; likewise, a company can't be directed properly without a mentor.

This article was originally published by Jaspreet Kaur.

News and Trends

Edtech in 2023: A Year Of Layoffs and Funding Crunch

Edtech unicorn Byju's was engulfed with multiple problems this year, which led to skepticism about the entire sector

Lifestyle

4 Ways To Use ChatGPT To Increase Your Productivity

While AI and ChatGPT are still developing technologies, there is still much to learn and explore. However, companies are already starting to see significant benefits from judicious use of these tools across departments and functions.

Business News

Want to Start a Business? Skip the MBA, Says Bestselling Author

Entrepreneur Josh Kaufman says that the average person with an idea can go from working a job to earning $10,000 a month running their own business — no MBA required.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

News and Trends

Riveron Acquires Yantra to Enhance Tech Solutions for CFOs

Vikram Bhandari will join Riveron as its Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, serving clients in myriad arenas, including bringing a fresh perspective on the practical impact of AI for CFOs.

Growth Strategies

Transforming Agrifood and Rural Landscapes: Omnivore

The platform supports extraordinary founders who are advancing agri-food innovation, combating climate change, and transforming rural areas.