Starting and growing a business is a demanding adventure. Between administrative management, customer research, cash flow and growth strategy, entrepreneurs and freelancers often find themselves alone in the face of their decisions. However, many leaders recognize that the support of a mentor was a decisive factor in their success.
But why is mentoring so valuable? And above all, how do you find the right person to accompany you?
One mentor is an experienced person — a seasoned entrepreneur, a manager, a sector expert — who makes available his skills, his network and his perspective to help a less experienced entrepreneur.
Unlike a consultant or a coach, mentoring generally relies on a trusting human relationship, voluntary or informal, oriented towards the sharing of experience.
Many entrepreneurs feel alone in their decisions. A mentor brings a Active listening, an external vision and a reassuring presence.
A mentor has already gone through failures and successes. Benefiting from his advice allows you toavoid some costly mistakes And of gain in efficiency.
A mentor pushes you to leave your comfort zone: negotiation, fundraising, organization, management... Entrepreneurs progress more quickly thanks to this support.
One of the major advantages of mentoring is the openness to a network of partners, customers, investors. This can significantly accelerate business growth.
Having a mentor also means benefiting from a neutral and benevolent look which helps to make strategic decisions with more serenity.
Before looking for a mentor, it's important to define what you're looking for:
A mentor can sometimes be found among:
Mentoring programs exist through:
LinkedIn, Slack, Discord, and other platforms are full of groups where experienced entrepreneurs share tips and experiences.
Mentoring is based on trust and regularity. It is essential to respect the mentor's time, to arrive prepared for exchanges, and to show gratitude.
A mentor is not a luxury, but a strategic asset for any entrepreneur. Whether it's about avoiding mistakes, accelerating your development, or simply feeling supported in your journey, mentoring can make the difference between a chaotic trajectory and structured success.
-> Every entrepreneur should take the time to identify and cultivate this valuable relationship, in order to move forward more quickly and more peacefully.
