It goes without saying that having a mentor for your business is very significant to the success of your business. These days, however, it appears that just about every business owner you meet, with a few years under their belt of running a business, self - proclaim themselves as business mentors. The reality is however, that it takes more than just a few years of operating a business for one to can consider themselves a mentor; there are certain traits one must have to become a successful mentor.
Some of them include:
1 Willingness to Share Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
As a mentor, you are regarded as an expert in your field. Therefore you must always be willing to share your skills, knowledge and expertise with your mentees. Remember, it is the responsibility of the mentor to give sound advice and provide guidance to the mentee about issues or challenges revolving running a business, so you must always be willing to teach and share with them everything there is to know about running a business. It is equally important that when you communicate the lessons you’ve learned, or the strategies and guidance you’re offering that you are clear in the sense that you intricate the details in such a way that it is easy for the mentee to understand.
2 Be approachable and always willing to listen.
As a mentor, it is very important that your mentee feels comfortable around you in such a way that when they seek advice or consultation they are free to share with you anything and everything about their business. It’s important to take time to stop talking about yourself, rather ask your mentee how he or she is doing. Ask them about their experiences and challenges, and learn from their stories.
3. Show enthusiasm and personal interest in the mentoring relationship
One of the keys to becoming a good mentor requires one to show personal interest in the success of their mentee. This usually requires the mentor to be someone who is compassionate, knowledgeable and in possession of the attributes of a good teacher or mentor. A good mentor is committed in ensuring that their mentee succeeds in their chosen profession or field of business.
4. Know your stuff and always be prepared.
Good mentors are able to combine relevant, practical entrepreneurial experience with a solid understanding of the theory behind business success. In addition, they demonstrate their faith in their mentee's abilities and in the process prepare for each mentoring session. iI's important for your mentee to actively participate and even take the lead in these sessions. You should ask your mentee what topics or subjects he or she wants to talk about beforehand, and once you know, you should outline the key points you want to focus on ahead of time, and have a plan ready for imparting your details in an effective and expedient way.
5. Have experience and well - connected.
This goes saying. Good mentors know their stuff, and with this comes experience. Good mentors usually give sound advice based on their past experiences, so it non-negotiable that if you want to become a good mentor you must have at least managed or operated your own business. Learning from other mentors counts a lot. Not every entrepreneur has experienced some of the changes you have, this is also the same with them, not all of them have been through what you have been through. So, its important to always have other mentors you can refer to as they will give guidance and also help you learn about other matters revolving the ins and outs of entrepreneurship.