It's understood these days, in a world in which business can span the globe, that no one person knows everything it takes to make a business work. There are many diverse issues that you have to deal with as a new business owner. Just "getting it done" could be financial suicide. How do you know when and where to get help? Feeling stressed, burned out, or unsure of what direction to take next are good indicators that it may be time to seek out a mentor.
You may choose to seek out a mentor through a networking organization or an association in your field of business. You can also call SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), who will connect you, free of charge, to a business mentor. When we began building our construction business full time, I hired a business coach who was also a retired contractor. He gave us advice and support throughout the start-up phase of our business.
The value of having a mentor is learning from their experience and sharing your ideas with a non-biased person, who can help you reach your goals much faster than if you're working on your own. A mentor can also help you with work/balance issues and other decisions that may not be business related.
In my experience, however, the first place to start is by listening to your #1 mentor, your own internal counselor. Some may prefer to call it your intuition - or gut feelings. I recently read a story in the July 2007, Science of Mind magazine that demonstrates why you want to listen first to your #1 mentor.
In 1957, Dr. Leo Windecker had a dream to build a light weight composite airplane made from reinforced plastic. His idea for this revolutionary accomplishment was based on his understanding of the strength and efficiency of human bones. The more he focused on his dream, the more ideas came into his consciousness. He was shown ways to construct a foam and fiberglass airplane that would be light weight, but strong enough to bear the weight and force required for an airplane.
In 1969, Dr. Windecker realized his dream when the FAA certified the first all-composite airplane ? the Windecker Eagle. When asked where his ideas came from, this was his reply.
"I pretend that there is a vast library ?out there', filled with all the information in the universe. I describe the problem to the ?Librarian' and turn it over to Him to search the library for the solution. I keep a legal pad by my bed so I can write down His solutions if they come to me in the middle of the night, which they often do."
Are you making use of the ?Librarian' as you're building and maintaining your business? If you're having doubts about this unconventional method of getting advice, just ask yourself where else you can get a lifetime of first hand knowledge about what has or has not worked for your particular lifestyle and business goals?
My coaching request for you is to listen first to your #1 mentor, before seeking outside advice and opinions. While it's true that no one has all the answers, including yourself, your intuition is a superior starting point and can guide you to the best sources for the answers you're seeking.
