The Covid-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on the nation, and it’s no exaggeration to suggest that we’re in the midst of a wellbeing crisis. Small business owners are suffering from financial worries, stress and feelings of isolation.
It often comes from having to solve all the challenges by themselves, without having the option to talk to someone they trust and who can help in a practical and immediate way. It is hard to be the person responsible for all decision-making, it is even harder when there is no one to share the load, to understand the despairs of running a small business, or even the joys of small victories.
Some business leaders are employing a business mentor as a confidant, someone they can chat with and, in all confidentiality, talk to about their small business issues and challenges. A person who will listen to them, who will really understand what they are talking about, and who will deliver insights and advice based on their specific issues.
Good mentors, who have sound business experience across different sectors, will grasp, understand and help a SME leader solve their business challenges.
External advice can support with sorting, prioritising, and solving the challenges that come with a small business owner’s role and responsibilities.
Some mentors offer a first one-off session to see if they are a good fit for the business, before committing to a package of sessions.
Let’s be clear, mental and emotional health issues have come a long way, even since the start of the pandemic. Many successful people in business have spoken out about their struggles, how they sought help, and how speaking to a confidant has lifted a weight off their shoulders to make them feel less alone. So perhaps, the proverb that a problem shared is a problem halved is true in business too.