Mentorship for Mums in Business: Find Your North Star
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Aug 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Finding Your Entrepreneurial North Star: A Strategic Guide to Mentorship for Ambitious Mums in Business
Ever feel like you're navigating your business journey with a slightly blurry map? You're pouring in the effort, juggling all the things (kids, clients, that never-ending to-do list), but sometimes it feels like you're missing a key piece of the puzzle. You're not alone, friend. Many ambitious mums in business, myself included, have been there. And often, that missing piece? It’s the guiding light of a truly amazing mentor.
Now, I'm not just talking about any mentor, no. I'm talking about finding your entrepreneurial North Star – the person whose experience, wisdom, & support can illuminate your unique path, helping you navigate challenges, make smarter decisions, & accelerate your growth towards the fulfilling & successful business (and life!) you dream of.
This post is about getting strategic about mentorship. It's about understanding exactly why the right mentor is essential, how to find the one aligned with your specific goals, and what it takes to cultivate a relationship that genuinely propels you forward. Because, let's be real, mentorship isn't a passive activity; it's an active partnership where you take the driver's seat.
Why a Mentor is Your Secret Weapon (and Not Just Another "Should")
It's easy to get caught in the "should" trap, isn't it? "I should network more. I should find a mentor. I should post more consistently." But "shoulds" rarely inspire action. So let's ditch the should & talk about the real, tangible why behind mentorship, especially for us busy mums juggling businesses, families, and all the glorious chaos in between.
A mentor isn't just a cheerleader (though a good one will definitely celebrate your wins!); they’re a strategic advisor, a sounding board, and a guide who has navigated the terrain you're currently exploring. They can provide:
Clarity & Focus: Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, trying to do all the things at once? A mentor can help you laser in on your priorities, identify your unique strengths, & develop a crystal-clear vision for your business. Think of it as having a compass pointing you true north. This is where my Business Flourish Framework truly comes into play. Perhaps you need to work on your Flair – really dialling in your messaging & branding – or maybe it's Flow, streamlining those ever-expanding systems & finally leveraging the full power of AI (Fusion!) to free up your precious time. A mentor with experience in your industry can offer fresh perspectives & help you focus on what truly moves the needle. For example, imagine trying to launch a new online course while also potty-training a toddler and managing a school play costume crisis. A mentor might help you prioritize tasks, streamline your launch plan, or even just offer a sympathetic ear and remind you that you're not alone in the juggle.
Accelerated Growth: A mentor has already walked the path you’re on. They can offer invaluable shortcuts, help you avoid common pitfalls, & provide tailored advice based on their own experiences – think of it as having a fast-track pass to wisdom. They can share strategies that have worked (and even more importantly, those that haven't!), saving you time, energy, & potentially costly mistakes. For instance, when I was first starting out with Nisbett & George, a mentor could have saved me months of frustration by guiding me through the complexities of partnership agreements and the unique challenges of being a mum-entrepreneur.
Mindset Mastery: The entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster, no doubt. A great mentor helps you navigate the ups and downs, build unshakeable confidence, & overcome limiting beliefs that might be holding you back. They’ve been there, wrestled with self-doubt, and come out stronger. Their experience & support can be transformative when you're feeling overwhelmed or facing a challenge that makes you question everything. Like that time I was juggling my MBA at Cranfield with a nine-month-old and felt like my brain was completely fried. A mentor's voice of reason and encouragement could have been a lifeline during that intense period.
Expanded Network & Opportunities: A mentor opens doors to their network, connecting you with potential clients, collaborators, or even investors. They can also point you towards valuable resources, conferences, or communities – accelerating your progress & impact. Remember, it's not just what you know, but also who you know (and who knows you!).
Ditching the "Mentor Lottery": A Strategic Framework for Finding Your Match
Now that you’re clear on the why, let's dive into the how. Too often, mentorship feels like a lottery – hoping to stumble upon the perfect match by chance. According to a study by the Association of Talent Development (https://www.td.org/), 76% of people believe mentors are important, but only 37% currently have one. This disconnect highlights the very real challenge many face in finding the right guidance. I've been there, friend. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I spent months floundering, trying to connect with mentors who just weren't the right fit. It felt like I was constantly searching for a needle in a haystack, until I developed this more strategic approach. You can be proactive & strategic in finding the mentor who is truly aligned with your goals & values.
Here's a framework to ditch the mentor lottery & take control of your search:
Define Your Needs: Before you even start looking, get crystal clear on what you need from a mentor. Are you a Visionary Leader looking to scale to 7 figures? A Scaling Leader needing support to break through a plateau? Or a Foundation Builder just starting out and needing guidance on validating your idea? The more specific you are, the better. Think of it like writing a job description for your ideal mentor. What skills, experience, & personality traits are essential?
Identify Potential Mentors: Where do these amazing mentors hang out? Think industry events, online communities (like our very own Femme:Connect Community Page) – hint, hint!), or even LinkedIn. Look for women who inspire you, whose businesses you admire, & whose journey resonates with your aspirations.
Do Your Research: Don’t just go on surface-level impressions. Dive deeper! Read their blogs, listen to their podcasts, & follow them on social media. Get a feel for their values, their expertise, & their communication style. Does their approach resonate with you? Do you feel a genuine connection?
Reach Out Strategically: This isn't about sending a generic "will you be my mentor?" message. Personalize your outreach. Mention something specific that resonated with you, share a challenge you're facing, or offer a genuine compliment about their work. Show that you've done your homework & that you value their time. Be clear about what you’re hoping to gain from the relationship, without being demanding.
Nurture the Relationship: Mentorship is a two-way street. Come prepared to each meeting with specific questions, be open to feedback, and actively implement their advice. Show genuine appreciation for their guidance & look for ways to contribute to their success as well. A thriving mentoring relationship is a mutually beneficial partnership.
Making Mentorship Magic: Cultivating a Powerful Partnership
Finding the right mentor is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you actively cultivate the relationship & leverage it for growth. Here's a 3-step checklist to make the most of your mentoring partnership:
Prepare Like a Pro: Before each meeting, create a mini-agenda with 3-5 specific questions you want answered. This isn't just about maximizing your mentor's time; it's about ensuring you get the most value from the interaction. Think of it like prepping for a high-stakes client presentation – you wouldn't wing that, would you?
Embrace the "Cringe" (It's Often a Breakthrough!): Feedback can be tough, but it's often the catalyst for growth. Remember, friend, even the most successful entrepreneurs have blind spots. A good mentor will gently (or sometimes, not so gently!) point them out. That initial "cringe" feeling is often a sign you're about to uncover something really valuable.
Take Action & Own Your Progress: Don't just passively listen. Identify one actionable step from each meeting and commit to implementing it. Share your progress with your mentor – this accountability creates a dynamic partnership.
From Blurred Map to Crystal-Clear Vision: Owning Your Mentoring Journey
Finding the right mentor isn't about finding a magic bullet; it's about adding a powerful compass to your entrepreneurial toolkit. It’s about gaining clarity, accelerating your growth, & building the unshakeable confidence to navigate the exciting, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding journey of building a business you genuinely love, a business that supports the rich, fulfilling life you deserve. And friend, you deserve it all!
Ready to connect with inspiring women & share your entrepreneurial journey? Join our vibrant Femme Connect community!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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