Mentoring

Ashford-Kent Mentoring

Whether you are thinking about starting a business in Ashford-Kent or you are already successfully trading, we would strongly advise you to consider finding a business mentor.

Even the most succesful business people recognise that they do not know everything and that an impartial outside perspective can be invaluable. Unlike working for a company, as an entrepreneur, you do not have a boss to turn to or to ask for a second opinion. A good mentor will learn about you, your business, your strengths and weaknesses. This combined with their own wisdom and experience, will provide you with an ongoing support mechanism.

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Chris Dowling Business Consultant & Mentor

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Ashford-Kent

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Starting and running your own business is deeply personal but there are some questions which are asked more than others. Here are some of the most common mentoring queries that we have received over the years.

What is business mentoring?: Business mentoring is a supportive, long-term relationship where an experienced individual (the mentor) provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced person (the mentee). Unlike coaching, which is often more task and performance-oriented, mentoring focuses on the overall development of the mentee in a broader professional context.
What are the benefits of having a mentor?: Having a business mentor can offer numerous benefits, including personalised advice, insights into your industry, networking opportunities, emotional support, and guidance through challenges. Mentors can help you refine your business strategy and improve your decision-making skills.
What qualities should I look for in a mentor?: A good mentor should have a strong track record of success, deep industry knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the willingness to invest time in help you grow. Look for someone who is respectful, trustworthy, and demonstrates a genuine interest in your business and personal development.
What are the responsibilities of a mentor and a mentee?: Mentors are responsible for providing guidance, encouraging personal and professional growth, and offering constructive feedback. Mentees should come prepared, be open to learning and feedback, actively engage in the relationship, and set clear goals for what they hope to achieve.
How long do I have to work with a mentor?: The duration of a mentoring relationship can vary widely based on individual goals, the nature of the mentorship, and the preferences of both the mentor and the mentee. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general mentoring guidelines.
How much does a mentor charge?: Gather all necessary documents before starting the application process. Common requirements include a business plan, financial projections, details of key team members, and a clear description of how the grant will be used.
How do I find a suitable mentor?: A list of local and national contacts can be found below.

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An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered with links to useful articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English and points to where you can find help and support.

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Ashford-Kent Mentors

invest in women hub

Having mentors can be invaluable when it comes to starting, growing, and scaling your business. Whether you are facing a challenge in your business, need advice on a certain topic, or simply just need to talk to someone who has done it before, having mentors can be of huge advantage. That is why the Invest in Women Hub brings to you our free of charge Find a Mentor platform designed to help you with your entrepreneurial journey by connecting you with mentors and unlimited 1:1 conversations tailored to your needs.

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