Mentoring – how it can help you

Posted: 7th April 2015

WiRE Member Tracey Nixon from PlumEssence Therapies considers how mentoring could help you and your business

Today I have been receiving some fantastic mentoring from Cheryl Turner of Tao Business Solutions.  Both Cheryl and I are approved mentors for WiRE. I’m a SFEDI registered mentor but there are times when I need help to do the things that don’t come naturally to me.  After all, shouldn’t I be walking my talk?  With the correct one to one support and education, at my ability levels, I have gained in confidence in how to produce newsletters and use Twitter and Hootsuite. “Mentoring is a relationship which gives people the opportunity to share their professional skills and experience and to grow and develop in the process” (Office of Director of Equal Opportunities in Public Appointment (Lewes 2000))

Although the quotes below, taken from the SFEDI guidelines, relate to business mentoring, much can be applied to individuals and personal circumstances.

It’s often a lonely place to be when stepping out on your own for the first time or running an existing business day to day, that’s when a mentor can help.

A true mentoring relationship is a mutually beneficial experience where the mentor shares their personal knowledge and experiences and promotes a self-discovery approach.  A mentor can:

  • Provide an outside perspective on both the business owner and their business,
  • Listen confidentially, to the things that are worrying the business owner,
  • Help by sharing their own experience of both failures and successes,
  • Give friendly, unbiased support and guidance,
  • Provide honest and constructive feedback,
  • Be a sounding board for ideas,
  • Facilitate decision making by suggesting alternatives based on personal experience,
  • Provide contacts and networks to further personal and business development,
  • Inspire the business owner to realise their potential,
  • Provide on-going support and encouragement.

If you want to consider receiving mentoring, to help you move forward in both business and personal circumstances, Tracey is happy to meet up for a coffee and a chat, or a telephone consultation, with no charge.  Tracey feels building rapport and understanding your needs is paramount to having a successful working relationship.  All you need to do is make contact by emailing Tracey on tracey@plumessencetherapies.co.uk or calling 01889 808388 or 07803 399594.

If you have to leave a message, I will always return your call. Thank you.