Business Start-Up? Mentoring Helps!

What motivates an entrepreneur to jump on to the 'field of play' get into the game? What ignites that spark inside and takes them from the 'relative comfort' of the traditional work-world in to the often 'chaotic world' of business? Perhaps a Mentor was involved in the decision-making process, inspiring them to 'venture out' on their own! Certainly, a Mentor can be very helpful for entrepreneurs as they continue along in their journey. In fact, it would be wise to gain insight from a number of Mentors as you grow in your own experience as an entrepreneur. We definitely encourage building these important Mentoring relationships. (More regarding a service we provide at the end of this post.)

We often think that MONEY is what motives people to consider having a business of their own, but that's not always the case. I just did a quick Internet search on the phrase, "reasons for starting a business" and retrieved 187,000,000 results. That only took 0.68 seconds! Fortunately for both of us, time won't allow for me to review each of those with you now!

Here are some of the points I share with audiences when speaking on the "Reasons Why" Someone May Want to Start a Business" - in no particular order:

• A greater sense of personal fulfillment
• The freedom to work on your priorities, at your own pace and with your own process
• A new challenge and seeking a sense of adventure
• Greater personal control over your life and career path
• A better use of your personal knowledge, networks, and skills
• Profits from the business are yours, not your employer’s (Oops! ... OK - that one relates to money!)

We all have our own reasons for having or wanting a business of our own. 

What's your reason? We'd love to hear your comments!

When it comes to becoming an entrepreneur, we've enjoyed working with many who (for whatever reason) have chosen to travel down this road. One way that we've assisted communities and organizations that support those looking at starting new business ventures is through our Business Start-Up Series. It's a facilitated, collaborative process - one where we work with participating partners to provide attendees with a valuable introduction, moving them forward in aspects of their business start-up, development and growth. And within a group setting, we do see elements of peer-to-peer Mentorship taking place.

Recently, I had opportunity to follow-up with an attendee from a Business Start-Up Series we facilitated a few years ago in St. Albert, Alberta (Canada). Joanne Guthrie is a "B Pressure Welder" and has worked in Alberta’s industrial sector doing maintenance and repair work for the past 18 years. But Joanne has always had a passion for creating art. From the wire sculptures she developed as a child, she's now using her industrial skills from the trades to fashion creative pieces of art out of welded metal!

At the time we first met Joanne, the Alberta economy was taking a significant hit and she knew she was ready to make that transition from employee to being an artist with a business of her own - JSG Welding - Artistic Welding Furniture + Art. 

Reflecting back on her experience in the Business Start-Up Series, Joanne shared the following: "The Business Start-Up Series has helped me develop my business in many ways. The materials provided information in a straight forward format and were valuable in taking my business to the next level. Participating helped me to better explain my business to others, to locate my target market, and to gain new customers!

In addition, the guest speakers chosen were a perfect fit and they became a valuable resource, using much of what they recommended. Whether it was aspects of research that helped me locate potential customers, or experienced business owners who shared their stories of overcoming obstacles, I was encouraged to focus on my strengths and move forward. Joining the Chamber of Commerce and attending business networking events was wonderful for sharing awareness of my business with the community. In my opinion, the entire Business Start-Up Series was very well organized. The class size was small and intimate, which made it very comfortable for lively discussions. It's been eye opening for me, and I would definitely recommend attending an upcoming series for any new business!"

To bring things current, Joanne is very pleased to say, "Things are definitely moving in positive directions for me. I've decided to do more public art calls for the surrounding city's and to move more of my art into galleries. It's a very exciting transition."

ONE KEY PIECE OF ADVICE: For those looking to start or grow their business, Joanne says: "I feel that networking is the most important thing to do when you are starting or growing a business. The more people you talk to ... the more comfortable you get! In the beginning, you can feel timid - but word of mouth is the best way to 'get' your business out there!"

Many of Joanne’s pieces of furniture and art can be seen on her website, Instagram and Facebook. Those interested in acquiring her work, either finished or commissioned pieces, are invited to contact her directly. Additional information and links to her social media platforms can be found on Joanne’s website at: www.jsgwelding.com

ALSO - Here's the link ... to a 2-minute video we put together to introduce the unique display stands Joanne made for one of her clients. "Dinosaur Bones" ... most appropriate, given the purpose for which these stands were created! 

CLICK HERE to view the video.

"EXTRA" - The St. Albert Gazette published a story regarding Joanne on February 17, 2016 (Michelle Ferguson). At the time of our preparing this post it was still available. 

CLICK HERE to view/read that story.

We’ve enjoyed working with Joanne and look forward to her continued success as an Artist and Entrepreneur in Alberta.
 

                                                                     

QUESTION:  Could you benefit from having a Business COACH and MENTOR?

IF the ANSWER is YES ...  Take a look at our "NEXT Steps Program! 

If you're looking for flexible and cost-effective Business Coaching & Mentoring, you'll like our “NEXT Steps - Program”. It's been created with you in mind, and provides 12 months of valuable assistance that designed to fit your busy schedule!

For more information see:

"Option 3 – “PVS – NEXT Steps - Business Coaching & Mentoring Program”
It's listed  on our Website Registration page:
CLICK HERE