Getting the right support for your business

Finding the right mentor:

One of the essential parts of growing your business is having a mentor. A mentor can provide support and advice and generally hold space for your big feelings when growing a business. But not all mentors are created equal.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right mentor for you:

• What experience do they have in mentoring others?

  This is where I see a lot of people get disappointed. Someone can be GREAT at building their own business and suck at mentoring others. Do they have experience in the areas you’re looking to expand? Do they have experience mentoring others who have had similar goals to you? Does this person have that skill set if you’re looking to expand your marketing or copywriting skills?

• What are the things they value?

  It’s hard to look past someone’s values that don’t align with yours. Conversely, it’s tough for someone to mentor another person who doesn’t respect their values. It would be best if you didn’t have to filter through nuggets of good guidance and look past things because your mentor doesn’t see your vision.

• What’s their coaching vibe?

  Your mentor will say things that bother you, but will their guidance sit well with you? Can you take feedback from someone blunt, or do you prefer someone more spiritual or softer? No matter how much a coach cares for you, they cannot guarantee that they can offer you a safe space, especially in coaching. There are so many sensitive variables, and you’re bound to get triggered by something, intentionally or unintentionally. Your mentor should ultimately be capable of holding space for you and giving you the guidance you need to grow.

Choosing the right coaching package:

After you’ve found the right mentor, here are a few things to consider on choosing the right package for where you are in your business:

I think it’s a profound misconception that you need less support as you grow your business. As you grow your business, you will need MORE help than ever. Think of it as a book launch; If you’re a brand new author, you probably hired an editor and maybe an assistant. But if you’re a seasoned author, you’ve got your editor, publicist, assistants galore, press team, and marketing team. There are so many people behind just ONE launch of ONE book. A book that probably costs less than $30! And you’ll rehire them again next round and maybe even MORE people.

There’s a stigma behind asking for help and wanting support, but it’s not bad. It’s brilliant; it’s strategic. The more you invest in the right people, the more sales you’ll be able to bring in.

Beginning stages of business:

When you’re a new business owner, it’s essential to soak up all the knowledge you can from trusted mentors. And while investing in your business is necessary, it’s equally important to be strategic about your spending. For this reason, I would recommend workshops and courses that allow you to get a sense of community while learning.

Middle of the road:

You’re getting clients and sales, but maybe not at the capacity you’re hoping for. 1:1 coaching, VIP days, or Masterminds can be highly beneficial. It’s helpful to ensure the people you’re soaking feedback from aren’t just regular schmoes who signed up for a course. That feedback is still valuable, but they probably can’t relate to where you are. You’re at a point in your business where the tools you started with got you to where you are now, but it’s time to kick it up a notch, usually with solid mentorship, outsourcing, and outside perspective from others who are or have been where you are.

Advanced stages in business:

You’re seeing consistent good income, but you’re ready for the next stage in your business- whether it’s investing in a coach, next-level systems, or maybe even hiring more people on your team. This is where fine-tuning your strategy, hiring a professional copywriter or editor, or getting an all-in-one marketing system can be extremely useful. While high-level mentorship is helpful, I would also say you’re probably in a place where self-coaching can be just as important. Over the years, you’ve given stellar advice; sometimes, that’s the advice you need to turn around and receive yourself. Peer-led masterminds and hiring the right people in the right places of your company, like my example earlier with a whole book launch team.

Finding the right mentor takes time. If you’re looking for guidance, I’d love to see how I can support you. I offer VIP Days, 1:1 coaching, and done-for-you copywriting. Browse my coaching packages at michellesheerin.com/services or slide in my inbox, and we can hop on a quick call.