Mentor experience or views please

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carla_TN

carla_TN

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Sep 25, 2022
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  • #1
    Hi, newbie here! ? I started my business alone earlier this year, things are going in the right direction but I'm thinking there are a few routes ahead of me the biz could take. Plus I'm finding things pretty lonely at the minute. So, I'm starting to think a mentor would be beneficial but I'm getting mixed views about the subject online.

    I'm just wondering if any of you guys have used a mentor? Has it been beneficial or detrimental to your business? How did you find a mentor?

    Thanks in advance :)
     
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    HFE Signs

    HFE Signs

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  • #2
    Like with any business decision you have to ask yourself will the benefit outweigh the cost? We have some very experienced business owners on here who could possibly help you with various difficulties if you're more specific with the areas you need help with.
     
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    fisicx

    fisicx

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  • #3
    A mentor to do what? They aren’t going make you less lonely but they can help with specific aspects of your business.

    What are the directions you could take? It maybe as @HFE Signs suggests someone here has the answers to your questions.

    Looked at your site and very confused as a holiday in Disneyland doesn't appear to be carbel neutral.
     
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    carla_TN

    carla_TN

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  • #4
    Thanks @fisicx and @HFE Signs for your responses.

    @HFE Signs I'm not considering the cost for now, simply because this can turn out to be free, depending on the mentor.
    Regarding your second point - I'm sure this forum will turn out to be very useful for individual issues/questions - I'm really asking for opinions on mentors because of the ongoing relationship and deeper interest/visibility of the business they could have.
    I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has used a mentor and what their experience was.
     
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    Mark T Jones

    Mark T Jones

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  • #5
    carla_TN said:
    Thanks @fisicx and @HFE Signs for your responses.

    @HFE Signs I'm not considering the cost for now, simply because this can turn out to be free, depending on the mentor.
    Regarding your second point - I'm sure this forum will turn out to be very useful for individual issues/questions - I'm really asking for opinions on mentors because of the ongoing relationship and deeper interest/visibility of the business they could have.
    I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has used a mentor and what their experience was.
    Click to expand...

    Having been a volunteer mentor, I'd say they are few and far between. Many were employed accountants, dishing out hackneyed advice in the hope of picking up accountants

    I was probably OK a friend was brilliant, and was highly selective in who/what he took on - he would drop like a stone anyone who wasn't fully committed

    In truth, the reason I dropped out was because the people who seek free mentors don't value what they provide (it's a paradox)


    So, back to the question, what are you hoping to achieve, and what is the value to you?
     
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    R

    Ray272

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  • #6
    carla_TN said:
    Hi, newbie here! ? I started my business alone earlier this year, things are going in the right direction but I'm thinking there are a few routes ahead of me the biz could take. Plus I'm finding things pretty lonely at the minute. So, I'm starting to think a mentor would be beneficial but I'm getting mixed views about the subject online.

    I'm just wondering if any of you guys have used a mentor? Has it been beneficial or detrimental to your business? How did you find a mentor?

    Thanks in advance :)
    Click to expand...
    Mentors are everywhere, some are customers you can talk to on a level, some are even on places like this, maybe just pop into the forum with queries from time to time and you most questions you ask, will make you realise you are not alone being alone. Many business people have to be on their own to get what they need to do, done. I began my business alone in my kitchen in London in 2011 and worked alone for 4 years. Developed good relationships with customers and you will not be alone, find people in your industry who are alone, and you will not be alone. On a technological level i hear there are websites where you can work on camera in view of other folks working on camera now, for a social working together feel. Not tried it myself but i am used to working alone, it is not for everyone and whilst I am alone, I am in comms with people all day. Get your business up and running proper, and time will be the next problem you have, not enough time in the day.
     
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    Paul Kelly ICHYB

    Paul Kelly ICHYB

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  • #7
    carla_TN said:
    this can turn out to be free
    Click to expand...
    Sadly, in many cases, you get what you pay for!

    Some of them may have some experience, but not the right type or general experience!

    If you are feeling lonely, this forum can help, but also look at networking events!
     
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    S

    Stuart Bailey

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  • #8
    If you are feeling lonely join some local networking groups. There are business coaches (which you may meet in the networking groups) which may be able to give you the advice and support you need but of course at a cost. You could have a coffee / drink with equally like minded people who may be able to help and support you too, such as friends, family friends, parents at school or people you know at any hobbies or groups you do.
     
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