How important is it to have a business mentor or coach?

One question that often arises in business is whether you should hire a mentor. For some, it is seen as an unnecessary expense, while others view it as a mandatory step toward success.

The water gets muddied by the vast array of coaches on social media. Many insist that hiring them is an essential investment, regardless of whether you have the funds or need to go into debt to cover the cost. But how important is it really? Does it affect your growth, or is it something you can skip?

Support and Guidance are Not Optional

Strictly speaking, you do not need a mentor to run a business. You can do it on your own. But do you want to? Running a business with zero outside input is often the slowest route to growth. Having a mentor is about support and guidance—something we all benefit from, no matter our stage or confidence level.

The Financial Reality Check

I believe in stretching your comfort zone when investing in your business, but never to the detriment of your health, relationships, or essential finances.

If you are investing in a quality mentor, you should recoup that cost quickly by implementing what you learn. However, if you are going seriously into debt or skipping rent and food to pay for a coach, stop. You are not ready for that level of investment yet. Instead, follow their podcasts, join their free communities, and implement their low cost options until you are in a better financial position.

Avoiding the Pitfalls

A mentor gives you access to a bank of knowledge and hindsight. You get the benefit of their journey without the downside of making the same expensive mistakes.

This is why you must hire someone who fits your niche. A general coach is fine for strategy, but if you want to avoid the specific pitfalls of the Virtual Assistant world, a mentor who has successfully run their own VA business is your best fit.

Getting Out of Your Own Way

We often stand in our own way. It is hard to see your own blind spots. Talking through your plans with a mentor allows you to uncover solutions and get an outside perspective. Often, another set of eyes will highlight that you aren’t doing anything wrong—you might just be missing a single step or focusing on the wrong task.

Accountability and Action

A good mentor holds you accountable. If you know someone is checking in, you are far more likely to push through procrastination.

As the CEO of your business, you are in charge. A mentor isn’t there to tell you off; they are there to help you stay true to your own intentions. Even a simple weekly email update can be enough to keep you on target.

Go Further, Faster

Starting a business takes immense self-belief. When you first set out, you will doubt your potential. A mentor sees your business without the filter of your fears. They see what you are truly capable of achieving and can help you reach your goals faster and with less error.

A mentor isn’t a requirement for survival, but they are a catalyst for growth. Ensure any investment is realistic for your budget, and if it isn’t, use the wealth of free resources available to you.

If you need advice for your VA business, join my free Facebook community or check out the training courses and coaching packages that I offer.