— A casual chat about why going it alone isn’t always the smartest move…
Let me start with a little truth bomb: running a business is a wild ride. One minute you’re feeling like a total boss, smashing your goals and colour-coding your planner like the productivity wizard you are. The next minute? You’re crying into your coffee because a client ghosted you, your to-do list has quadrupled overnight, and you’ve just realised you’ve eaten nothing but biscuits since Monday.
Sound familiar?
That’s where a mentor comes in.
Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter, “I don’t need one of those,” hear me out. A mentor isn’t some corporate bigwig who throws buzzwords at you until your brain melts. They’re someone who’s already walked the business path, tripped over the tree roots, got drenched in the rain, and still decided to keep going. And they want to help you do the same—preferably with fewer blisters and a better map.
Here are six solid reasons why having a mentor might just be the smartest move you make in your business (other than switching to coffee that actually tastes like coffee, not cardboard).
They’ve been where you are – and further up the path
Running a business is kind of like hiking without a map. You might eventually reach your destination, but it’ll take longer, you’ll get lost a few times, and there’s a strong chance you’ll swear at a squirrel.
A mentor, though? They’ve already done the hike—probably in worse weather—and they know which bits are slippery, which forks to avoid, and where the best views are.
Their experience isn’t just helpful, it’s priceless. They’ve faced the same sticky situations you’re dealing with now, and they can often see a way out before you’ve even finished your “WHAT DO I DO?!” panic spiral.
And no, they won’t stop you from making any mistakes (we all need a few of those), but they will help you avoid the ones that could knock you off course completely.
They’ve got people – and now, so do you
You know those people who always seem to know someone who can help? That’s your mentor.
Networking can feel like turning up to a party where you don’t know anyone, and everyone’s already mid-conversation. Awkward. But with a mentor? They’re the friend who grabs your arm and says, “Come on, I’ll introduce you to the gang.”
Their network becomes your network. They’ve already built connections with people in your industry—CEOs, specialists, professionals, other brilliant humans—and through them, so can you. You’ll get doors opened that would’ve otherwise stayed very firmly shut.
They help you shape your company culture (aka, the workplace vibe)
Let’s be real. No one wants to work with or for a business that feels like a toxic energy vortex. The vibe of your company—whether you’re a one-person show or a growing team—matters. A lot.
A mentor can help you create a culture that people actually want to be part of. One where motivation, respect, and good humour are part of the daily routine (alongside caffeine and a healthy dose of dog memes, obviously).
They’ll guide you in setting the tone early and building an environment that supports your goals without turning into a daily grind of doom.
They help you make decisions when your brain’s doing the Macarena
Let’s talk decision-making. Some days it’s easy—you just know. Other days, you’re stuck staring at your screen like it’s about to give you the answer telepathically.
Big decisions can feel like walking into a minefield. One wrong step and BOOM—financial chaos, awkward conversations, or even a full-blown panic attack involving snacks and crying in your office chair.
A mentor can help you see the situation clearly. They’ve made the big calls before. They know when to act fast, when to pause, and when you’re just catastrophizing because your inbox hit triple digits. (We’ve all been there.)
They don’t just grow your business—they grow you
Let’s be honest: the biggest challenge in running a business is often… you. Well, not you-you, but your self-doubt, your lack of experience in certain areas, your fear of sounding like a fraud on Instagram… yeah, that stuff.
A great mentor helps you level up not just as a business owner, but as a human. They’ll help you with the tricky stuff—communication, planning, thinking strategically, staying calm when things hit the fan (and they will). They’ll even call you out when you’re playing small, all with kindness and a gentle nudge in the right direction.
Think of them as the wise sidekick who hands you the tools, shows you how to use them, then lets you swing that metaphorical hammer yourself.
Mentorship is a two-way street—and it works
Here’s the lovely bit: mentor/mentee relationships aren’t just beneficial for you. Your mentor gets something out of it too.
They get the joy of helping someone grow, fresh insights into challenges they’ve long overcome, and that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing they’ve made a difference.
You get guidance, accountability, and support. They get to stretch their own skills. Everybody wins. (Cue the cheesy but accurate montage music.)
So… do you really need a mentor?
Yes. Yes, you do.
Even if things are going well. Even if you’re not new to the game. Even if you’ve already hit some big goals.
Because a mentor doesn’t just help when things go wrong—they help you go further, faster, and with fewer meltdowns. And let’s be honest, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone in your corner who gets it? Who believes in you, supports you, and occasionally reminds you to take a lunch break?
So go on—find yourself a mentor. Your business (and your stress levels) will thank you for it.
