Mentoring is a classic two-way street. It’s invaluable to receive as a small business because you can get advice, motivation and help from someone who has a different perspective, and is not caught up in the minutiae of your business.

You would be amazed at how much help is out there. People love to be associated with success and often only have to be asked and they will assist you. 

Being a mentor is also valuable. It gives you an interest and an opportunity to work with someone who has a dream who wants to succeed. I have found being a mentor very rewarding.

As well as doing something positive which will make you feel good it is also a great way of staying in touch with modern business methods and to see things from a different perspective.

I’m ready to offer my services as a mentor for a small business. How can I make sure I do a good job?

Tips to help you be the best mentor:

1.     Listen more than you speak.

2.     Be consistent, engaged and keep up contact.

3.     Keep a positive attitude.

4.     Try to be objective – look at things from all the angles.

5.     Engage the whole person.

6.     Let them grow & let them go – be ready to allow them to move on when the time is right.

7.     Enjoy it! You will get just as much as you give.

As a mentoree, how do I get the best out of my mentor?

Get maximum gains from your mentoring:

1.     Know your goals- this is key, you must know what you want to get out of it.

2.     Choose the right person – you need someone you can work with and who will understand your business.

3.     Learn to take and use feedback – a successful relationship depends on this.

4.     Take responsibility – you must bring your own energy, passion, vision and enthusiasm to the project.

5.     Avoid burning bridges! If things don't workout - or you feel that it’s time to move on - do so in a dignified and graceful way.

When we get it wrong – here’s what happens...

The biggest mistakes in mentor relationship:

1.     Becoming complacent - again, for both parties, you get out of the relationship what you put in.

2.     Asking too much from the mentor – at the end of the day it is really down to the business owner and the work that’s done on the business.

3.     Ignoring the hard truths – don’t just hope that things will work out, deal with issues if and when they arise.

4.     Thinking a mentor has all the answers – you know your business better than anyone, a mentor is there to guide and help.

5.     Refusal to focus on areas for improvement – it can’t always be positive, both parties must acknowledge that sometimes difficult or candid feedback will be necessary.