How To Find Support and Solutions For Your Business
If you find yourself feeling stuck in your business, it’s common to turn to a mentor or business coach for guidance. And when you do need that support, how do you know who to turn to?
On the surface, mentors and coaches might look quite alike - both are there to support you in your business (and often in your personal life, too), both bring their own knowledge and experience to apply to your particular circumstances, and both help you navigate issues and guide you towards finding a solution.
There are differences though, which are important to consider as you make your decision about the best person to help you.
Commit to the Relationship
Typically you engage a business coach for a fixed time, such as a 90-day intensive or a 6-month program. A mentor relationship, on the other hand, is more fluid and can often be for a much longer period (up to several years).
That’s not to say that if you’re approaching a mentor you’re committing to a years-long relationship but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for longer-term support.
Outcomes Vary Working With A Mentor or Coach
Often due to the length of the relationship (at least at the outset), the types of outcomes you can expect vary between a coach and a mentor. If you’re working with a coach for a set term you will likely set goals that match the timeframe - for example you might want to triple your email subscribers in 30 days, or you might be looking to double your revenue in 6 months.
Working with a mentor you can look at these shorter-term goals, but it is more likely that you will look at different business planning or building outcomes. You might also be a bit unsure of exactly what needs to happen in your business, knowing only that the current set up is no longer working for you. This is where a mentor can step in to help you explore various options and solutions that might fit, and work with you to implement them over time.
Invest in Time and Resources
The cost of mentors and coaches can vary quite a bit, depending on their investment of time and resources; you can expect a more hands-on, in-depth relationship to cost a bit more. As a general rule though, mentors tend to be less expensive than coaches.
This is not a reflection of their skills or ability, but rather reflects the nature of the relationship. Often a coach will be applying specific methodology (including custom worksheets or programs) to drive you towards a particular goal, while a mentor’s guidance will often be advice-based across a broader range of topics.
How do you choose A Mentor or Coach?
When it comes time for you to decide who to work with, these questions are a great starting point:
what do you need help with right now? Do you have a specific goal in mind or do you need more general guidance?
do you have a specific time frame or deadline for the results you’re seeking?
what’s your budget?
Once you know the answers to these questions, you will better equipped to look for someone who will be a good fit. I always like to start by asking people in my network (including online) for recommendations, making it clear why I’m looking to work with someone.
Then take the time to have an introductory conversation with each prospect. This will help you to understand their experience, see if they understand what you need from the relationship, and get a feel for if you’re a good fit overall.
Have you worked with a coach or mentor before? Are you ready to work on your business as we move forward? You might be interested in a complimentary call with our mentor, Leigh Powell to gain clarity and focus on what you need to do next. Book HERE …or download the 5 Tips to Get Uptick Ready .
Leigh Powell is a business strategist and mentor with Your Time Matters and assist small businesses to hone their propositions and attract and convert more prospects.
“Highly recommend Leigh’s services. Not only does he come equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience, he is approachable, breaks things down and helps you to tap into your very best potential. I could not have grown my business without him and I still rely on him now for advice and support.”
