Mentoring MINDS

If you put the concept of mentorship at the heart of your business strategy this year, you will reap the benefits of support and guidance from an experienced industry professional, writes spa consultant Diahann Buckley

As a new year brings the opportunity to start afresh, make this one count by bringing yourself to the forefront in 2021. Doing this can be difficult at any time, let alone given the year that has gone by. I am not going to suggest you reflect again on 2020; we had plenty of time to do that last year. However, I am going to share the lessons I’ve learned from my own experience, to help you to focus on you and your business going forward.

I have touched on mentoring in the past, and I’m returning to it again to stress the value of this type of guidance.

Mentorship is a valuable learning and development partnership between someone with vast industry experience, and someone who wants to learn. It is about support, career guidance, and positive role modelling. Every professional needs a sounding board; a relationship between mentors and protégés can be life-changing and long-lasting for both individuals. A great mentor will focus on the whole person, not just their career. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “a mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself”.

In the past, my role as mentor or advisor largely focused on career advancement, business development, reaching new personal horizons, and financial success. While all these areas are still active and relevant, it cannot go without saying that what mentoring clients primarily need now is optimistic, yet grounding, support. They want a listening, non-judgemental ear.

During the lockdown, I had the opportunity to work with alternative sectors, supported by the Local Enterprise Boards. It stood out to me that the hair and beauty industry was the most reluctant to invest in mentoring support – traditionally seeing it as a non-essential luxury. I am happy to report that those who took the plunge are doing well, and are fully committed to both mentoring and networking. They recognise these as fundamental elements within their business strategy. I would urge those who have not yet taken this route to do the same, particularly if it’s ‘free’ or ‘incentivised’ mentoring. How hard is it to say yes? What is the worst thing that could happen? You may just learn something. To gain ground, we have to be open to change; we must be proactive, committed, and embrace it. Keep doing what you are doing, and you will keep getting what you are getting.

Taking action 

Shawn Hitchcock once defined a mentor as someone who “empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained”. The past year for some has been a combination of shock and financial hardship. It has also been demoralising for us all. But the only limits ahead are the ones we put on ourselves. If you embrace the concept of mentorship, you will be supported to become who you are, and not a mirror image of your mentor.

There are many ways to find your ideal mentor; in my experience, referral seems to be the most successful avenue. It is important to have a goal, or expected outcome, in mind. The first consultation will address this. During this meeting you can also determine if there is good chemistry between you and your potential mentor. You will quickly know if there is a natural ebb and flow between you both, and if can you see yourself working openly with the individual. This does not mean the mentor won't challenge you; however, if you feel comfortable and confident, then the work between you will be beneficial and achieve results.

Cost is a factor – now, more than ever. Traditionally, smaller salons did not invest in business support. Be open to this now – from mentors who have vast experience, and understand your challenges. Their wealth of knowledge, connections and guidance can't be measured in a cost. Consider contacting business colleges and putting your name forward to be a mentee of current students or graduates, who are building coaching hours or case studies.