As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You have to be in charge of all your processes, marketing, and employees. Oh, and if the coffee maker breaks, you’re probably in charge of that too.

It can be overwhelming and isolating at the same time. It’s hard to feel like anyone understands what you’re going through.

That’s where a mentor can make a big difference. Someone who’s been where you are can help you make sense of it and get a better perspective.

So aside from that, why else would you need a mentor? 

They’ve Been Through the Fire

In my work at Bubblegum Casting and Hunter Talent, I’m around people all day. At the same time, I can feel surprisingly lonely. I love working with young people and helping them shine, but sometimes it’s good to have a little help for myself too. 

A mentor helps you understand these ups and downs. They’ve been through what you’re experiencing and can help the experience feel less solitary. Mentors help you work through challenges and keep the right perspective.

The mentors I’ve had the good fortune to work with have helped me immensely. I realise I’m not the only person to go through these things, and I learn strategies not just to survive but to thrive.

Mentors Can See Our Blind Spots

It’s only natural, as an entrepreneur, to be focused on your strengths. It’s also normal to be incredibly optimistic and believe that you can conquer anything. In fact, I’d say those attitudes are essential to success.

When you work with a mentor, though, you gain an additional perspective on your strengths and weaknesses. They may even point out more opportunities to grow than you really want to see. But seeing your blind spots is essential to your journey as an entrepreneur.

Having constructive criticism allows you to make corrections and grow much more quickly than you would have alone. They can offer suggestions and let you know where you might need to improve.

We All Need a Mix of Encouragement and Discipline

To grow and succeed in any venture, we all need a mixture of encouragement and accountability. It can be tough to find that in our day-to-day lives if we don’t have a mentor.

Mentorship creates an environment for both. Someone who’s been where we’re trying to go can encourage us and help us believe in our ability to make it. At the same time, they can hold us accountable and encourage discipline and follow through.

When times get tough, the temptation to quit is always there. When you have a mentor, you’ll be far less likely to give in.

Mentorship is a Key to Entrepreneurial Success

A mentor will encourage you, hold you accountable, and give you the perspective you need to make wise decisions.

If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you can’t go it alone. I know the mentors I’ve had have been invaluable, and I treasure the opportunity to mentor others. Finding a mentor isn’t always easy, but when you connect with a good one, it can put you years ahead.

If you have the opportunity to work with a mentor, take advantage of it! You’ll reap the benefits, and could even inspire you to give back later in your own career.

Adam Jacobs is the incredibly busy Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting and Hunter Talent. He works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles. They’ve recently launched an office in LA as well.