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A business mentor is an experienced business person who provides support to a business owner*. Many Rivers has a diverse team of coaches that are highly skilled in mentoring local small businesses.

Business mentor

When you are taking the leap to start your own business, you might be entering new territory. That’s just part of what makes a business journey exciting! But you don’t have to do it on your own. Not only will a business mentor make your journey more enjoyable, but they can help you fast track through potential obstacles.

Here is a list of things that we think are the most valuable traits of a business mentor (and Many Rivers’ business coaches have them all!).

1. They know what to expect

“I wasn’t exactly sure about what I needed to do around the finances-side of things. Accounting and taxation – all of that. So, it was helpful to have Richard, my Many Rivers business coach to talk to. Richard and I talked about what needed to be done and in what order, to be methodical about it and to have a set plan.” – Samantha, Coordability, Melbourne VIC

2. They keep you moving forward

“Garry checking up on me is a form of accountability. When he checks in, it helps me regroup and make sure that I am getting things done.” – Fiona, Chocolate on Purpose, Sydney NSW

3. They have different skill sets to yours

“I have learnt how to run a small business because I didn’t know anything about it until Kris and Diana came on board, I just had beauty training.” – Shakira, Beautiful Again, Derby WA

4. They are there when you need a bit of encouragement

“Richard encouraged me to think about how there are a lot of different pets sitting businesses and what sets me apart.” – Lisa, Your Pets Best Friend, Newcastle NSW

5. And finally, everything is better when it’s done in a pair!

“It makes a huge difference to feel like someone is in your corner. Running a business on your own can feel a bit isolating at times. The mentoring has helped turn that into a structured plan that has helped enormously to not only manage my business but also enjoy running my business.” – Andy, Colour and Sound Creative, Newcastle NSW

Additional to all the valuable traits of a business mentor, here is a few of the services that a Many Rivers business coaches can offer you.

Access to pro bono legal support through one of Many Rivers legal partners
Access to a small business loan. Sometimes you might just need extra cash to get the ball rolling. Our business coaches will support you to recognise if you might need a loan and how much you require.
There is a whole team of us. Our team is rich in diverse experiences and unique skills sets. Chances are that a member of our team has an answer to your question.
Remote support. It doesn’t matter where you are located across Australia, our business coaches travel to nearly every corner of this beautiful country. We also offer remote support remotely. We are always a phone call or a text away. Don’t let you remoteness be a barrier to fulfilling your dreams.
A community. Our business coaches have worked with many small business in your region. They might introduce you to another small business owner if they have a service that you require and vice versa. Additionally, they know the small things like what local support agencies you could access and the best place to get cheap printing. It is very useful to have a business mentor who can connect you to the right people.

Are you ready to take the first steps towards making your business idea a reality? Our Many Rivers business coaches will be with you every step of the way. Please take this quick Self Assessment and see if we are right for you.

Learn more about our business coaches by watching a Day In the Life of our business coaches with Joy from Perth WA and Kris from Broome WA.

Stay updated with our community by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

*https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/business-mentoring/mentoring

“Remember you started with nothing and you can do it again”, Many Rivers business coach in Port Hedland WA John Brewin.

Focus on your strengths

Remember you started your business using your strengths and your strengths are still there. As your business has developed, has your knowledge improved or changed? How can you make sure you’re using your strengths to take advantage of new opportunities that might arise?

As a small business owner, it’s often left to you to do everything. By remembering what you’re good at, and why you started your business in the first place, you can make sure you’re using your strongest capabilities to grow or sustain your business.

Don’t overlook or take your strengths for granted. Here are four steps you can take to focus on your strengths.

1. Identify what you’re brilliant at

Strengths can include skills, experience, reputation, your contacts and circle of influence, your social media following, competitive advantage and your customers.

Make a list of the things you do in your business that make you shine. What brings you the most passion, enjoyment and a smile on your face.

Most businesses start with a business plan which includes a SWOT – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Now is the time to review your business plan and SWOT, Many Rivers clients can contact their local business coach to review these. This will remind you what you’re good at, and what you might need help with.

2. Develop your strengths

Joy Thacker, Many Rivers local business coach in Perth WA encourages you to “invest in yourself. Take the time to up-skill with free online webinars and training”.

Connect with somebody who is even better than you in your industry, they may be happy to share some do’s and don’ts. Research and schedule personal development into your diary or day. Make it clear when you you will make time to invest in developing your strengths.

3. Make a list of any systems and processes that your business uses

Document any processes, procedures and systems you use. If and when a time comes when you can use other people to do certain tasks, you will be ready to go.

Checklists and instruction manuals are a good way to document your procedures – and make a list of all of the online programs and systems you use day to day in your business. This might include an accounting package like Xero, your website and domain host, who you bank with and the social media platforms you use.

4. Can you outsource your weaknesses?

Once you know the areas you’re brilliant at, and the areas you need help with, you’ll see the things you might be able to outsource. And you will have all of your systems and processes documented already! Does your business have the opportunity to get help from a book-keeper or administrator to help you focus on the things you’re great at? Now you know your strengths, could you share some of your strengths with a potential business in exchange for their services?

Thinking about how you can focus on your strengths is always important, even more so now. If you are an existing Many Rivers client and have questions about developing your strengths, please get in touch with your business coach, they are here to help. You can click here to read a summary of the Top 10 Tips to protect your business.

For new clients, Many Rivers is here to help people start small businesses and grow existing businesses. We are here to support you the whole way. Please take the Small Business Self Assessment and see if we are right for you.

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