When you're the boss operating your own business, you feel competent and professional... most of the time. Sometimes, however you need an advice, or just some psychological support. It is an absolutely normal thing. Most successful people got that way not only because of their own motivation and ability to work hard. They also had wise and professional friends or advisors around when most needed. These people's experience and knowledge play a significant part in their career.
Usually, if you are employed in large big company, there is at least one such person (in an ideal case, this is your boss), who you may ask for help. When self-employed, you must find such a person yourself. This can be a friend, but it is better if the only thing you have in common is business. Usually, it's an older and more successful person, who will not even consider you as a competitor, but will be willing to instruct you and help you avoid mistakes.
Remember that your advisor is not the solution to all your problems. You know all aspects of your business better, and you should not become dependant. Otherwise, one day you will realize that you can not make a move without this person. Instead, learn from this person anything valuable, whether it is client relations or specific business techniques -- learn! You can even have several advisors -- client relations, business techniques, computer skills, legal and financial instructors. The main thing is that you should learn from them and be interested in what they say. Trust them! They should like you personally, like to teach you, and want to see results. These people can aid you in becoming more professional, more confident, or motivate you to work harder than usual. You can also expect new contacts for your business, since you can now tap into your advisors' colleagues.
Personal mentors or advisors can be divided into 3 main groups, and I also suggest how to find them such people:
1. Creative coach - Someone to bounce ideas off and get the "mental juices" flowing. This person can have such an impact that you only need to meet with her once a year!
You can meet such a person at a business seminar -- he will be the one that stands out the most. You must have enough poise to approach him, but it's likely that he will respond to your question.
2. Teacher - This advisor can help you find the way to real knowledge, classify your skills, or become more competent in a task. Usually, she is a professional in your business with 20 years of experience and loads of education. She usually has lofty expectations in business and in everyday life.
Try to find such person in you professional environment. Again, do not be afraid to approach her, but make sure that your introduction is intelligent and well spoken.
3. Instructor - This should be a very energetic person, since this advisor will aid with motivation, "power thinking," and strategies. He has vision, and in our fast changing business world, vision is an important trait. He sees where you can be in 5 or 10 years, and will help you believe that you can reach your goals. This is a long-term relationship.
You can find this person anywhere and can be your college teacher, a relative, your friend, or your spouse. The main thing is that he should really care for your well-being and be happy about your successes.
Final tips of finding advisors:
If you do not an advisor, think of the kinds of people you need (for example, creative coach, instructor, or teacher), what you need from this person, and what you can do for them. There will be no one advisor who can solve all possible problems, unless you find a magician.
Think, about 3 people you admire. What do you like about them? Write down all of their positive traits. Either model them or find advisors that can bring help you to develop these traits.
Sometimes, it is difficult to deal with others, especially when they give criticism (no matter how constructive).
If you can do anything for your instructor, don't hesitate. Let it be professional help, tender words, or praises -- whatever you find most appropriate.
And, if you see that you can help someone who is just starting out, needs a little push or direction, and can benefit from your advice, then go for it! You will feel good about it, and this person will look at you with wide-opened eyes, thinking how smart you are!
Usually, if you are employed in large big company, there is at least one such person (in an ideal case, this is your boss), who you may ask for help. When self-employed, you must find such a person yourself. This can be a friend, but it is better if the only thing you have in common is business. Usually, it's an older and more successful person, who will not even consider you as a competitor, but will be willing to instruct you and help you avoid mistakes.
Remember that your advisor is not the solution to all your problems. You know all aspects of your business better, and you should not become dependant. Otherwise, one day you will realize that you can not make a move without this person. Instead, learn from this person anything valuable, whether it is client relations or specific business techniques -- learn! You can even have several advisors -- client relations, business techniques, computer skills, legal and financial instructors. The main thing is that you should learn from them and be interested in what they say. Trust them! They should like you personally, like to teach you, and want to see results. These people can aid you in becoming more professional, more confident, or motivate you to work harder than usual. You can also expect new contacts for your business, since you can now tap into your advisors' colleagues.
Personal mentors or advisors can be divided into 3 main groups, and I also suggest how to find them such people:
1. Creative coach - Someone to bounce ideas off and get the "mental juices" flowing. This person can have such an impact that you only need to meet with her once a year!
You can meet such a person at a business seminar -- he will be the one that stands out the most. You must have enough poise to approach him, but it's likely that he will respond to your question.
2. Teacher - This advisor can help you find the way to real knowledge, classify your skills, or become more competent in a task. Usually, she is a professional in your business with 20 years of experience and loads of education. She usually has lofty expectations in business and in everyday life.
Try to find such person in you professional environment. Again, do not be afraid to approach her, but make sure that your introduction is intelligent and well spoken.
3. Instructor - This should be a very energetic person, since this advisor will aid with motivation, "power thinking," and strategies. He has vision, and in our fast changing business world, vision is an important trait. He sees where you can be in 5 or 10 years, and will help you believe that you can reach your goals. This is a long-term relationship.
You can find this person anywhere and can be your college teacher, a relative, your friend, or your spouse. The main thing is that he should really care for your well-being and be happy about your successes.
Why do these instructors need me?
Good question! They like you, want you to be successful, or want to be a "role model" for your success. They saw in you motivation and the brains to achieve. They try to provide the most valuable help they can. They are good teachers and are pleased to see the output of their efforts. There are many more reasons, so many, that all would not fit in this article.Final tips of finding advisors:
If you do not an advisor, think of the kinds of people you need (for example, creative coach, instructor, or teacher), what you need from this person, and what you can do for them. There will be no one advisor who can solve all possible problems, unless you find a magician.
Think, about 3 people you admire. What do you like about them? Write down all of their positive traits. Either model them or find advisors that can bring help you to develop these traits.
Sometimes, it is difficult to deal with others, especially when they give criticism (no matter how constructive).
If you can do anything for your instructor, don't hesitate. Let it be professional help, tender words, or praises -- whatever you find most appropriate.
And, if you see that you can help someone who is just starting out, needs a little push or direction, and can benefit from your advice, then go for it! You will feel good about it, and this person will look at you with wide-opened eyes, thinking how smart you are!
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