Business mentoring

How to become a business mentor

Guide

If you already have plenty of business experience, you could consider offering your services as a mentor to other businesses. This can be a very rewarding way of passing on the benefits of your experience.

As a mentor, your role is to support, develop, stimulate and challenge your mentee, whether they're just starting up in business or are already established and seeking guidance.

You can mentor in a variety of ways, including online, face to face, by telephone, or as part of a discussion group. You can charge a fee for your services or offer free support.

What you'll need to become a business mentor

To mentor other business people effectively you need the right skills and experience. You should have:

  • the ability to listen and empathise
  • respect for other people's views
  • experience of the problems faced by small businesses
  • the ability to offer encouragement and sympathy
  • a supportive, hands-off approach that allows others to make their own decisions
  • a willingness to volunteer your time and skills

You should also have a good, broad understanding of business. Many small businesses look for mentors who have expertise in particular areas or functions, such as:

  • finance
  • sales and marketing
  • public relations
  • strategy and planning
  • negotiation
  • operations