Starting your own business can be fun and exhilarating. However, it can also be quite tough. There are goals, clients, or even personal development to keep up with. Sometimes it can even start to feel like you are in it alone. We often have a hard time seeking advice, and feel like we should be able to do everything, know everything, and be everything all at once!
Perhaps you’ve gotten to a place where all you need is some constructive feedback, someone to be honest with you about both your victories and failures, and someone who really cares about your success. Well, you might be delighted to find out that you do have options and that in fact you are not in it alone!
One of the greatest parts of being a business owner is finding a someone to help you through your journey and keep you accountable to become the best version of yourself. Leaning on others to see you through to tough times, to lift you up or to congratulate you on your wins can be an amazing experience.
Finding a mentor or an advisor can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what types of accountability relationships are available to you or which one is best for you. There are several different ways to get support from others for your business, and sometimes one or maybe even a combination of a few, would be a great strategy for success.
To help you decide, I have outlined 6 fun ways to find which leadership engagement or accountability style is right.
1. Coach
A coach is someone who you pay to help hold you accountable, to provide you with ample support and resources, and to guide you through the business journey by drawing on their own expertise and experience. Each coach has an unique approach and focus, targeted to help specific individuals. When choosing a coach it is a great start to first identify your relational compatibility, and then establish exactly what it is you want to get out of the engagement.
Potential Advisor: Online business coach, small business coach, life coach.
2. Mentor
A mentor is someone that has much more knowledge or experience than you in a specific industry or area in business. They are essentially your teacher, role model, counsellor, and ultimate confident. This is usually an unpaid relationship that takes on an “as-needed” approach. They provide you with much more of a hands on guidance, supporting you with real life examples and experiences to learn from.
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Potential Advisor: Industry professional, successful or long-time business owner, respected leader.
3. Personal Advisor
A personal advisor is someone who knows you on a much more personal level. Perhaps they’ve seen you go through your life journey before you’ve even considered seeking their advice. They may assist you in making the bigger life decisions that perhaps are not directly linked with your business, but more with your personal story. They provide you with wisdom and insight on life matters that you may only be grateful for in hindsight. They keep you accountable for the directly that your life is going, and can guide you towards being the best version of yourself.
Potential Advisor: Someone like a grandparent, or long-time family/business friend.
4. Mastermind Group
A mastermind group is a group of like-minded people that meet either in person or virtually on a regular basis to share their businesses and learn from each other every step of the way. This is a safe group where you share resources, connections, and support each other with advice and accountability. The group of people can be from all over the world, and there are masterminds within every industry. This can be paid or free. To join a mastermind, depending on the organizer, you go through an application process and usually have an interview to see whether it is the right group for you.
Potential Group: A mastermind established specifically for a certain need that you may have.
5. Accountability partner
An accountability partner is similar to a mastermind, however it is just one individual. Together you can have regular chats (every week or twice a month) and usually have a lot of email communication between calls. The two of you can work as a “growth partnership” to go through similar stages of your business growth at the same time. This creates a strong support and someone to relate to when the going gets tough.
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Potential Advisor: Business partner, someone in your industry who has similar business and personal goals as you do.
6. Friend
So we all know what a friend is, but often times as busy entrepreneurs we can get so wrapped up in our to-do lists that we don’t set aside enough time with our friends. This is a crucial part of self-investment. A friend can also be a counsellor, cheerleader, and supporter. Friends are usually much more assertive, and they are not afraid to tell you like it is. This is a great support to have to keep you grounded with an objective perspective of your business and your own personal development.
Potential Advisor: Your most reliable, mature, and supportive friend!
TAKE ACTION
Where these explanations helpful? Have you decided which engagement is most suited to you?
Do you have an accountability partner? Have you joined a mastermind group? Share with us in the comments below!
Don’t forget to share this article to help others that may be struggle to decided!
As always, desire to inspire!
Xx
Carli
Featured Image: Shutterstock
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