Do you jump from task to busy task hoping to get ahead with no specific, defined target of what you’re trying to achieve? Do you avoid making commitments that could net you a more substantial result if you invested the time? Successful business owners (and those on their way) would say ‘No.’ to these questions. But what’s true for most small businesses? Recently I spent an hour with the mentors on our current MentorNet mentoring program, getting updated on how they are doing working with their mentorees. We are just over three months into the six month program (which combines business training and mentoring) and the good news is that the mentors reported that their mentorees are doing well and that those that are participating actively are seeing the results. They’re achieving the goals they set when they started the program.
But, I don’t have time! The conversation moved to talk about how the time, energy and commitment it takes to take part in a six-month program (even though the commitment is a couple of hours a week) sees some people go full-tilt into the program. These women know that this is EXACTLY where they need to put their energy if they are going to turn their ‘GOOD’ businesses into ‘GREAT’ businesses and yet others find excuses to not make the commitment (of time, energy and money) to grow their business.
One mentor (who works with small business owners regularly) commented how sometimes feels like shaking up his clients and saying: “You’re ruining your chance to be a great business by not going in one consistent direction, by not getting good financial skills, good substantial knowledge and direction.”
Instead these businesses were taking a shot-gun approach to business success rather than consolidating. It doesn’t matter whether you’re road to success is shot-gun or considered and planned, as long as you get there. Our experience is that a business mentor, good education and your commitment to start and finish a process (such as a mentoring program) is what reaps the rewards. Suzi PS If you’d like to learn more about the MentorNet mentoring program for women in business, visit the Australian Businesswomen’s Network website, Or contact us today for your free Are You Mentor Ready? business consultation, valued at $95.
