Do you have a business mentor or role model you look up to? One who can inspire, advise and encourage you? If you’re a woman business owner, the answer is probably “No.” You must read this.
Someone asked me few days ago if it
was necessary to have a mentor as a young lady growing her business, I have no
other response to her than YES, it’s so necessary to have a mentor.
Mentoring is to support and
encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximize their
potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the
person they want to be.” Eric Parsloe, The oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring
Where can you find mentors and role
models? Here are five ideas:
- Reach out to other successful women in your business line. Read blogs updates, publications and social media feeds (Facebook, Twitter,Instagram,LinkedIn, Lots more) to keep up with female thought leaders. Comment on their posts or articles; once you’ve built up an online relationship, contact them offline see if they are willing to offer advice. Keep it quick, simple and precise.
- Work your network. Join not only industry networking groups, but also groups specific to women in your city, industry or niche (such as African-American women). You will find like-minded women who can be business mentors.
- Take the lead. Don’t just take the seat at conferences or programmes "Get involved" take a leadership role by chairing committees or moderating panels. By doing so, you’ll rub shoulders with movers and shakers who can become mentors or advisors.
- Join a formal mentoring program. WIMBIZ is a great organization that provides mentorship from experienced business owners to entrepreneurs at all stages of business. They are reaching out to women and have a growing number of female mentors. Visit www.wimbiz.org for more information.
- Connect with the community. Peers are just as important as mentors because they provide emotional support.
Take it as
a project to have a mentor today so sure you won’t regret.
xoxo
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