As Bob Proctor puts it,” A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” This explains one of the reasons I decided to set-up the Rosemont Group Foundation – to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, especially those from unprivileged backgrounds. Along my journey I’ve received help from different individuals in my life that has enabled me to be in the position I am in my life so far. In retrospect, I’ve come to learn and appreciate the value of mentorship because were it not for the great people that crossed my path, my life would be much different – and not in a very pleasant way. Below, I have highlighted the importance of having mentorship and its long-lasting benefits that come with it.
Expert Advice
As much as advice is available from several other sources, insight from a mentor is far much informed, tried and tested since it’s coming from a person who has quite literally, “been there, done that” and certainly emerged successful. Unlike advice from concerned relatives, friends, colleagues and business associates which might be prejudiced or vague, mentors are best placed to help you chart your way to success with strategies on how to overcome any challenges along the way. In addition, a mentor will be willing to share with you other personal experiences that could otherwise not be shared in a book or other media – thus impacting you positively as an entrepreneur.
With a mentor, you are at an advantage of not having to make avoidable mistakes since they will be shared before hand with you, accompanied with ways to avoid them. This will translate to better business decisions as compared to the entrepreneurs without mentorship.
Networking Opportunities
Just like a mentor will have believed in you to an extent of setting apart his/ her precious time to engage you, so will his network of friends and business associates. As such, they will also be willing to be part of what you’re into hence forming a basis for your clientele. Some may eventually end up being your business partners or decision makers in future projects. The lack of a mentor will definitely narrow down your chances of prosperity as compared to your counterparts taking mentorship seriously. You see, John Crosby puts it so well that, “mentorship is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction”.
Pitcure of Freddie Achom (fourth from the left) with Rosemont Group Foundation attendees/students.
Encourages & Keeps you on track
Entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park, you are bound to experience economic, emotional and sometimes structural setbacks while at it. In such moments, having a mentor to turn to for guidance is crucial both for you as an individual and the business as well. Encountering the slightest amount of failure in a start-up may throw you off-guard but the presence of a mentor will help you stay focused and on track as you formulate strategies to overcome and forge forward.
A mentor will help you steer a clear path to your success while highlighting any potential gaps that may hinder growth.
They help you Grow Career-wise
Unlike consultants and advisers who are more focused on the growth of their business ventures, mentors are concerned with your overall growth, development and eventual success in your career. Fostering a long-term mentor-mentee relationship is also important since it ensures the continuity of a successful business.
Video below:
By Frederick Achom
