? The One Thing Emperor Augustus Caesar, Queen Amina, and King Jaja of Opobo all have in common ?

? The One Thing Emperor Augustus Caesar, Queen Amina, and King Jaja of Opobo all have in common ?

Have you ever considered that within the chaotic terrain of the business world, a business owner craves a vantage point that illuminates the path amidst the storm?

Augustus Caesar, King Jaja of Opobo, and Queen Amina; What do these great leaders have in common?

Yes, they were all accomplished leaders and rulers in their own right, but the real answer is more elusive than you think.

Augustus Caesar, birth name Gaius Octavius, was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar.

At a young age, his grandmother saw the potential in him and pleaded with Julius Caesar to mentor him.

Thus, Augustus, seeing his unique opportunity, absorbed the great Roman general and statesman's advice, from knowing how to manage and organise large numbers of people to understanding the harsh realities of war.

All this culminated in Augustus' rise to power after the death of Julius Caesar, leading Rome into a new era of prosperity and greatness still praised today as the height of Western civilisation.

King Jaja of Opobo was kidnapped and sold into slavery at a very young age.

He was eventually bought and brought into the house of a palm merchant, whose business was declining due to growing debt and alcohol addiction.

However, a relative of the businessman, a shrewd businesswoman in her own right, taught him the reins of the palm oil business and the hearts of men, turning him from a rebellious boy to a shrewd businessman who paid off all the debts of his master and eventually elevated himself from a slave to the King of Opobo, a feat never seen before.

Queen Amina of Zaria, before she even became Queen, learned the intrigues of court and the strategies of warfare at a very young age on the lap of her grandfather, an astute statesman in his own right.

The need for a mentor is not a sign of weakness, rather, it is a testament to the profound understanding that growth requires guidance.

A mentor brings wisdom garnered from experience, unlocks doors to invaluable networks, and instills the courage to face challenges head-on.

Just like the saying goes, "Behind every successful man is a strong woman."

Behind every successful business owner stands a mentor who believed in their potential, ignited their passion, and guided their journey through wisdom and experience.

How can you go about finding a mentor for your business?

First, let's explore the different types of mentors available to business owners.

8 Types of Business Mentors

When it comes to business or entrepreneurial mentors, different types of mentors can provide guidance and support in various aspects of starting and growing a business.

The following are some types of business or entrepreneurial mentors:

1. Industry-Specific Mentors:

These mentors have knowledge and experience in a field related to your business.

They can provide useful insights, industry experience, and contacts to assist you in navigating sector-specific obstacles and opportunities.

2. Business Strategy Mentors or Consultants:

Mentors in business strategy assist business owners or entrepreneurs in developing effective business strategies.

They help define corporate goals, identify target markets, create competitive advantages, and establish development and scalability plans.

Ram Charan , Kenichi Ohmae, W.Chan Kim , and Renée Mauborgne are examples of business strategy mentors or consultants.

3. Startup Mentors or Advisors:

Startup mentors specialise in coaching businesses or entrepreneurs through the early stages of their ventures.

They offer guidance on developing a viable business plan, securing funds, assembling a team, and overcoming the unique hurdles that entrepreneurs encounter.

4. Marketing and Sales Mentors:

Mentors in marketing and sales help businesses and entrepreneurs build efficient marketing strategies, branding, customer acquisition, and sales skills.

They can advise you on how to use digital marketing, social media, and other platforms to reach and engage your target audience.

Toyin Omotoso , Chinwe Kalu-Uduma, Seth Goding , Simon Sinek , Latti Ronke Bamisedun ANIPR , Gary Vaynerchuk , and Neil Patel are some examples of business strategy mentors or consultants.

5. Financial Mentors or Advisors:

Financial mentors assist businesses and entrepreneurs in understanding and managing their financial elements.

They can help with budgeting, financial planning, accessing funds, managing cash flow, and making smart financial decisions.

Tunde Fowler , Ugodre Obi-Chukwu , Nimi Akinkugbe , and Bola Onadele. Koko are some business strategy mentors or consultants.

6. Legal and Regulatory Mentors:

These mentors help business owners or entrepreneurs navigate the legal and regulatory landscapes of beginning and running a business.

They can assist businesses and entrepreneurs in comprehending legal requirements, intellectual property rights, contracts, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

7. Social Impact Mentors:

Social impact mentors work with businesses or entrepreneurs who want to make a positive social or environmental impact with their products or services.

They offer advice on how to align commercial goals with social impact objectives, how to measure impact, and how to access resources in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.

8. Successful Business Owners or Entrepreneurs:

Mentors might be experienced business owners or entrepreneurs who have successfully created and scaled their enterprises.

Their firsthand knowledge and insights can be extremely beneficial in guiding and counseling other business owners or entrepreneurs on various areas of entrepreneurship.

Ibukun Awosika , Leo Stan Ekeh, Richard Branson , Sara Blakely , Oprah Winfrey , Dr. Cosmas Maduka , Indra Nooyi , and Strive Masiyiwa are some examples of business strategy mentors or consultants.

It's worth noting that these types of business or entrepreneurial mentors aren't mutually exclusive, and many mentors can provide experience and advice in numerous areas.

The type of mentor you require depends on the stage of your business, the industry, and the unique issues or goals you are facing.

How do you go about finding a Mentor for your Business?

Finding a business mentor requires a proactive approach and careful networking.

Here are some steps to finding a business mentor:

1. Identify Your Needs:

Determine which areas of your business require guidance and support from a business mentor.

Consider your business's goals, industry, and current issues.

This will assist you in determining the type of mentor you require.

2. Attend Networking Events:

Attend business conferences, industry-specific events, and networking events to meet successful business owners.

Participate in conversations, ask questions, and show your desire to find a mentor.

Show genuine interest in their experiences and enthusiasm to learn.

3. Join Business Associations or Chambers of Commerce:

Join business associations or local chambers of commerce.

These organisations frequently hold networking events, seminars, and workshops that can put you in touch with successful business owners.

Utilise these possibilities to meet possible mentors.

4. Leverage Online Platforms:

Use professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to find and connect with business owners who meet your requirements.

Join relevant industry groups and take an active role in discussions.

Engage with business owners by leaving comments on their blogs, giving important thoughts, and expressing your desire for mentorship.

5. Seek Referrals:

Inquire within your professional network, friends, and colleagues about successful business owners who might be willing to mentor you.

Personal referrals can frequently lead to important connections with potential mentors who are already well-respected in your network.

6. Research Business Incubators and Accelerator Programs:

Networks of experienced business owners who act as mentors to startup founders are common in business incubators and accelerator programs.

Look for such programs in your region and consider participating to obtain access to mentorship possibilities.

7. Engage with Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems:

Participate in local entrepreneurial ecosystems, including co-working spaces, startup groups, and entrepreneurship centres.

These locations frequently provide opportunities to network with business owners, attend events, and participate in activities.

8. Approach Business Owners Directly:

Reach out to potential business owners and mentors directly once you've discovered them.

Create a thoughtful and clear message in which you describe why you want to be mentored by them, what specific value you believe they can bring, and how their experience connects with your goals.

Remember that developing a mentoring relationship requires time and effort.

Approach possible mentors with respect, show your enthusiasm to learn and be open to their availability and willingness to participate in mentoring.

To build a solid mentor-mentee relationship, it is critical to foster a true connection and mutual understanding.

Conclusion:

Back to our earlier question: what do The Emperor Augustus Caesar, King Jaja of Opobo, and Queen Amina all have in common?

They all had mentors who shaped and prepared them for the rocky road ahead, as the arrow only reaches its mark in the hands of an experienced archer, or as behavioural scientist B.F. Skinner said, "Give me a child, and I will mould them into anything."

This is true even in the difficult and ever-changing business world.

Mentorship is crucial for realising a business's full potential, providing direction and insight, and leading business owners or entrepreneurs through unfamiliar territories.

Embrace the power of mentorship and allow it to propel you with confidence and clarity toward your business or entrepreneurial goals.

Now is the time to act and find a mentor for your business.

Cheers!

Chris Emejuru

Global Director/C.E.O. Lowase Management Consulting? | A Better Working Nation | [email protected]

1 年

Great article Peter! Yes, Mentorship can be extremely important to the success of any individual or organization.

Great reading through the write ups

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