FINDING A MENTOR by Sadé Llerraf
No one builds a successful business or career entirely on their own. Behind every confident decision, breakthrough moment, or bounce-back from failure, there’s often a mentor someone who’s walked the path before, offering guidance, perspective, and support.
For me, that person was my mentor and I found them through The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.
In this post, I’ll share why having a mentor truly matters, how my journey with The Prince’s Trust led me to mine, and how you can find the right mentor for your own path.
Why Mentorship Matters
1. Shortens the Learning Curve
A mentor can help you avoid common mistakes and fast-track your progress. They’ve already been through the trials, the learning curves, and the pivots. Learning from their experience can save you time, energy, and frustration.
2. Builds Confidence
When you have someone to bounce ideas off or seek reassurance from, it can boost your confidence in making tough decisions. A good mentor will challenge you but also remind you of your strengths.
3. Opens Doors
Mentors often have networks, connections, and insights that can expose you to new opportunities, whether it's a new client, collaboration, or just being in the right room at the right time. This certainly happened for me.
4. Keeps You Accountable
Having someone check in on your progress or even just know your goals keeps you focused and committed. It’s easy to drift when no one’s watching. A mentor helps keep you grounded and on track.
How to Find a Mentor (Even if You Feel Intimidated)
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Before reaching out to someone, get clear on what kind of support you need. Are you looking for someone with specific industry knowledge? Someone who’s grown a business like yours? Or someone who can guide your mindset and leadership style?
2. Start With Your Current Network
You might already know someone who could mentor you a former colleague or boss or a fellow business owner, or someone in your online community. Don’t overlook the people already around you.
3. Join Communities and Groups
Look into networking groups, business masterminds, Facebook groups, or local entrepreneur meetups. These are often filled with people open to sharing their experience.
4. Be Bold (But Respectful) When Reaching Out
It can be nerve-wracking, but sending a open and honest message can go a long way. Be clear, respectful of their time, and appreciative, even if they say no.
5. Give Before You Ask
Mentorship is a two-way relationship. Look for ways to offer value share their content, refer others to them, or simply express genuine appreciation for their work. People are more likely to help when they feel seen and valued.
What a Great Mentorship Relationship Looks Like
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Open communication
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Mutual respect
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Honest feedback
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Willingness to listen and learn
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Commitment from both sides
Why Having a Mentor Changed Everything for Me
When I first started my business journey, I had the passion and drive — but I didn’t have all the answers. I was learning on the go, often second-guessing myself and feeling overwhelmed. That’s when I joined The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme — and it was a turning point.
As part of the programme, I was matched with a mentor who had experience, insight, and most importantly, patience. My mentor didn’t just offer business advice they helped me build confidence, set realistic goals, and stay grounded when things felt uncertain.
Having someone to turn to who genuinely cared and understood the journey of starting a business made a world of difference. It wasn’t just about growing my business — it was about growing into the business owner I aspired to be.
How I Found My Mentor Through The Prince’s Trust
When I joined The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme, I thought I’d just be getting some training and guidance on setting up a business which I did. But one of the most valuable aspects of the programme was being paired with a dedicated mentor.
The process was simple: after completing the initial business workshops, I was introduced to a mentor based on my needs, industry, and personality fit. That connection grew over time into a genuine support system someone I could talk to about ideas, struggles, and plans.
I didn’t have to “chase” a mentor or feel awkward asking for help — it was part of the programme, and it gave me access to someone who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.
Another way to find a mentor is through this amazing small business website i discovered by accident - https://www.enterprisenation.com its free to sign up and is an incredible resource for small business owners, offering access to experienced mentors, expert-led training, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Through their platform, you can find tailored advice, attend helpful webinars and events, and even get matched with a mentor who understands your journey. With affordable membership options and practical tools for growth, it’s a go-to hub for anyone looking to build or scale their business with confidence and support.