West Lothian Mentoring

Whether you are thinking about starting a business in West Lothian 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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If you are based in in West Lothian or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.

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West Lothian

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Authorised Distributor
Utility Warehouse – The Discount Club

Mentoring

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.

Free startup guide

Download the 2024 edition of our Free guide

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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Free Friendly Advice

If you would like some free friendly advice from a trusted local partner, please complete the form.

There will not be any pressure nor will you be under any obligation to buy paid services.

Alternatively you can contact Andy Pringle at andy@syob.net and he can help guide you with more information or suggest the best person to contact.

Recommended Mentor

Starting and growing your own business is an exciting time of opportunity and aspiration, but it can also be daunting as you get to grips with your business plan and strategy.

The first few weeks and months are vital in ensuring that you give your business the best possible start. And once it’s up and running, it’s important to ensure that you keep your plan and strategy under constant review so that your business benefits from new ideas and thinking.

Whether it’s working out how to put together your business plan, fund your business venture, plan your finances, employ staff, or create a realistic sales and marketing strategy, there are a huge number of aspects to think about to ensure that your business has a successful long term future.

With many years of business experience (I have more than 35 years’ experience running a family business!), professional business mentors* can provide you with support to help you get to grips with all aspects of starting, running and growing your business.

As a professional business mentor, I will work with you and your business to provide all the support and guidance you need. I will listen to you at all times to understand the opportunities and challenges that you face, and help you find solutions to make the best possible decisions for your business. Acting as a ‘sounding board’ for your thoughts and ideas, I will also use my business experience to help you take a step-back from the day-to-day running of your business to give you time to assess your current plans and look ahead to the future.

A professional business mentor is an invaluable resource for businesses of all shapes and sizes, so stick with one and they will help you to grow from a start-up to an established business. Get in touch with me today to find out how I can help you and your business achieve your goals and aspirations!

Chris Dowling
Professional Business Mentor & Adviser
Association of Business Mentors
Phone – 01825 701332

chris@dowlingbusinessentor.co.uk
website - http://dowlingbusinessmentor.co.uk

*Professional business mentors are accredited by the Association of Business Mentors

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West Lothian Mentors

Scottish Business Mentoring

Scottish business mentoring is for ambitious businesses and social enterprises who want to realise their personal and business growth ambitions, giving them the ability to take their company to new heights. Business Mentoring matches experienced mentors who come from all business areas and sectors with growing businesses. By sharing the entrepreneurial experiences of mentors, this service gives the business the confidence to develop and grow, and opens up a great network of contacts that can open doors and inspire new thinking.

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