Mentoring Matters
Mentoring Matters report: The what, why and how of building a mentoring army to unlock growth

Mentoring Matters

Today is National Mentoring Day. ?

And there has never been a more critical time to ensure small business owners get access to quality mentors who can help them navigate the entrepreneurial journey. ?

That’s why we are releasing a report, Mentoring Matters, which surveyed over 800 businesses in the Enterprise Nation community and found that the nation’s appetite for mentoring is on the rise. Today, 82 per cent of businesses are interested in mentoring.?

Two thirds (61%) of the 823 small business founders surveyed said that mentoring's reputation among their peers and business colleagues had increased, with younger founders seeing fewer barriers to being mentored than older entrepreneurs, suggesting there is also a growing role for mentoring to play in the future.?

The benefits of mentoring are obvious to most people who have had a mentoring relationship. The survey found?66 per cent of businesses that had received mentoring felt it had helped them survive and three quarters (76%) said it had been key to business growth.??

But the report also found too many leaders amongst the country's 5.5 million small and medium-sized businesses are yet to take part, despite a willing army of potential mentors waiting in the wings. ?

While taking time out of the business can be challenging,?those that are working with a mentor tell us they are finding a way?– they are making it work at a frequency and in a manner that suits both the mentor and mentee. A friendly face on a Zoom after dropping the kids to school is a great way to start the day or a quick call with someone who has ‘been there and done it’ on the commute ahead of a key meeting, really helps to clarify strategy and cement goals. ?

With a willing army of mentors waiting to be mobilised, we must break down the barriers to ensure more entrepreneurs can access this resource to navigate the tough times ahead.?

As a founder of a growing company myself, I've benefited from having a mentor over the past decade. When there are so many questions to address each day – about product, people, finances and growth – it's vital to have a sounding board; someone with experience who can hear you out as you navigate the entrepreneurial journey.?

The good news is the growing demand is matched with a growing willingness to become a mentor. We have been privileged to be part of a consortium delivering the mentoring element of the Help to Grow: Management Course and have been bowled over with the number and quality of people who have come forward to be voluntary mentors. We have recruited over 2,000 mentors in the latter half of the year and today is a call to arms so we can recruit more and ensure as many small businesses as possible can find their perfect mentor match and make the most of the benefits. ?

I hope you will get involved. You can sign up as a mentor here.

Zeb Shahin

Managing Director & Commercial Lead

2 年

Interesting article. So many ways and levels to do this at. We sometimes forget that taking time to listen and give or receive a different perspective is critical not just to making better decisions but developing our own self awareness. Time well spent!

Emini J.

Affiliate Marketing | Tech Partnerships | Martech | Sales

2 年

Love this Emma!

Krisi Smith

Founder & Non Exec Director, Bird & Blend Tea Co. on a mission to spread happiness & reimagine tea | Speaker | Innovator | Entrepreneur | B Corp

2 年

Yes, absolutely Emma

Mentoring certainly matters and can be the difference between success and failure - great initiative Enterprise Nation ??

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