The Ways You Can Benefit from a Business Mentor

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, you have opened your day spa or launched your massage practice. It would be nice to sit back and relax and wait for clients to come through the door. But we all know, business does not work that way. The challenge to continue to grow your spa or massage practice is never ending and no matter how driven you are to achieve success, there are going to be obstacles in your way.  At these times, having someone to turn to, to rely on for guidance and trustworthy advice can be the game changer you need. That someone can be your mentor.

The word mentor comes from Homer’s Odyssey. During the 10-year Trojan War, Odysseus, the king of Ithica, left his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus to lead his army. Odysseus placed his son under the care of a guardian called Mentor to provide Telemachus with protection and guidance.. It turned out that Mentor did not live up to his responsibilities so that Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, and handicraft, like weaving, often disguised herself as Mentor to provide Telemachus with divine guidance. The word Mentor has lived on and today stands for a more experienced person guiding a less experienced one through part of their life or work.

When it comes to your spa or massage practice, a business mentor can be that guiding force. A survey conducted a few years ago by The UPS Store found that 70 percent of small business owners that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, double the rate of those who do not receive mentoring.[1]

What a business mentor offers

Your mentor will have the experience, knowledge, and skills in the industry to provide you with advice, feedback and insights based on growing their own business and achieving success. The right mentor also can open doors to other professionals in the spa and massage therapy marketplace to expand your network and even present new opportunities.

Your business mentor can help you clarify your vision and mission, identify your strengths and weaknesses, solve problems, learn new skills and knowledge, and stay motivated and accountable. They can recommend areas where you should seek improvement. And they can help you set realistic goals for your business and track progress.

As an example, you may want to add new services such as sports massage to your massage practice to attract more male clients or you may be thinking about partnering with a chiropractor or physical therapist. A mentor can provide an objective perspective and help you evaluate all the options and potential risks and opportunities.

Find the right business mentor

A mentor does not necessarily have to be someone you know well. They may be someone in a business or professional organization – in person or online - you belong to, a vendor, or someone in your community who also is in the spa or massage industry. By joining organizations or attending industry events, you may meet potential candidates for mentoring.

Here are considerations for seeking out a mentor.

Good listener: A mentor should be a good listener and not someone who just wants to share their opinion or tell you about their experiences. A good mentor should get to know you and your hopes and expectations.

Honest: You do not want a mentor who always agrees with you. Your mentor should be open and direct with you, especially when they think you may be making the wrong decision.

Different from you: While you want your mentor to share your values, you do not necessarily want a mentor who is just like you. Someone who is strong in areas you may consider yourself weak can help bolster parts of your personality. An outgoing person might help you overcome shyness and encourage you to make new business connections. Someone who is more analytical can help you think through decisions rather than make impulsive ones.

Generous: A mentor should be on your side. They should want you to succeed and be glad to open doors to new business, introduce you to new contacts and help you find necessary resources to grow. Your mentor should always be there to boost your spirits and build your confidence.

Respectful: A good mentor is not just there to tell you about their ideas. You want them to get to know you and respect what you value and not push you in a direction that makes you uncomfortable.

Available: ideally your mentor is available and will be available for you when you need them. While you may want to set up regular meetings, there will be times when you need to talk to your mentor outside regularly scheduled calls or times.

Asking someone to be your mentor

Before asking someone to be your mentor, think about exactly what you hope to get out of the relationship. What are the next steps for your spa or massage practice might be something you want help with.  How to better market your business is another area where a mentor could help. You might need help seeking financial support to expand and a mentor could advise on the steps to take to make sure you are prepared for expansion and the various channels for funding.

Identify someone or several individuals who you would like for a mentor. First try to build a relationship where you get to know each other. You might want to ask someone if you can meet for coffee or lunch to discuss questions you have about growing your business. To make the meeting more reciprocal, make sure to pick up the check.

After meeting, you will be in a better position to ask someone if they would serve as your mentor or advisor. When you do, be clear about what areas you need advice and guidance. Describe how you see mentoring going and what you are willing to do put into the effort. This shows a potential mentor you are serious about seeking help.

Get into specifics including how much of their time you think you need. You can prepare a proposal for scheduled meetings to ensure they have the time to commit. And of course, thank them for their willingness to work with you.

The objectivity a business mentor brings to the table can help you fix a problem or look down the road and help you determine the right course to take. Look for a business mentor to help give your spa or massage practice the edge you need to succeed.