Introduction to the Her Business Mentoring Program
A message from Suzi Dafnis, CEO, HerBusiness
Hi, I’m Suzi Dafnis and I know from first-hand experience, and from working with thousands of our members over 20 years, that “Making It” in business can be really tough!
Those relatively new to running a business have so many new things to learn and do coming at them at the same time, it can really feel like they’re paddling the wrong way up a raging river and not getting anywhere… even though they’re giving it everything (and getting exhausted in the process).
And for those, like you, who’ve been in business for a while and with some great runs on the board, they’ve probably discovered that success has created new challenges like juggling a growing team, funding expansion and having to make the leap to a whole new level of leadership and systemisation.
For the past 18 years, HerBusiness has recognised Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs through our Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame program. To date more than 180 women have been inducted (some very well known and others who are quieter achievers), from businesses large and small. And, over time, we began to notice ONE THING each of these top female business women kept telling us over and over again when we asked them their secret to “Making It”.
It was striking how many of our Hall of Fame inductees listed MENTORING as a key piece of advice they’d give to other business women looking to emulate their success. It turns out their advice is backed up by the facts.
Studies have shown that 70% of business owners who use mentors will survive in business twice as long as those who don’t. And, they are 20% more likely to experience growth in their business than those who don’t.
And globally recognised business leaders agree with them. Hugely successful people like Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg and Richard Branson all credit having a mentor as being crucial for “making it” in business and in life… and they encourage others wanting to emulate them to do the same.
“Whenever I am asked: ‘What is the missing link between a promising businessperson and a successful one?’ Mentoring comes to mind.” – Richard Branson
“I think mentors are important and I don’t think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone.” – Oprah Winfrey
“Mentoring is crucial to success.” – Sheryl Sandberg
I believe that having mentors is the one thing that almost guarantees business owners and entrepreneurs will stay in business longer and experience more growth if they do it and puts them at risk of stagnating or going backwards if they don’t.
Here’s what I tell our members:
Seek out mentors! People who’ve got the wisdom and learning from past experiences who can give you the right advice at the right moment, make introductions, expand your network and open doors of opportunity for you, as well as inspire and challenge you.
I know you’re really serious about supporting other women and men to grow and succeed in business and I just want to take a moment now to acknowledge you for that.
Most people never take the time to educate themselves. That’s why a professional mentoring service can be such a transformative experience. It works best for people who want to get more focused, grow their business and reduce overwhelm, because it offers a level of support that many will never have had before…
As a HerBusiness mentor, you become that someone in their corner who’s already walked the path they are on.
Here’s to your success.
Suzi Dafnis
CEO
HerBusiness
