In business and in life, a mentor serves a crucial purpose. Mentors are trusted, experienced individuals who guide and advise an individual in both personal and professional pursuits. The mentor relationship serves many purposes, for both mentor and mentee, this is not one built on money or financial gain, the mentor serves as a confidante, a navigator, and a conscience at times. Josh Alballero, CEO and co-founder of IOOGO, a technology first tax and accounting company, knows how important that mentor can be to success. He now serves on the board of advisors for several start-up organizations helping to guide young companies and entrepreneurs to success and shares how crucial a role a mentor plays in achieving success.
Sharing experiences is one of the core elements of mentorship that makes having a mentor such a powerful asset when it comes to finding success. Experienced mentors have perspective and unique wisdom that others just do not have, built from both success and failures. A vital area where mentors really make an impact on others is through helping them establish and maintain a sense of resilience. By sharing their own past challenges mentors provide information and suggestions, as well as show that everyone at some point, struggles. Learning how to work through life’s challenges, with a resilient attitude and mindset is a core component of success.
Mentors not only know what they are doing, they are able to motivate others to achieve more. Part of this motivation comes from a sense of accountability that is established between mentor and mentee. Having that person to refer to for advice, as well as to report progress boosts productivity, and they will also provide critical feedback others may not feel comfortable saying. Mentors genuinely care, however, are not beholden by familial or other bonds, so they are honest without fear of emotional repercussions, using that feedback to promote growth.
Mentors listen, ask the right questions, act as a guide through challenges and help celebrate successes. They do not step in and do anything for a mentee, rather they help that individual develop critical skills like active listening, strategic thinking, positive thinking, and help people achieve a growth mindset. Like a teacher in a classroom, they ask the questions that provoke thought, and inspire learning, rather than simply holding a person’s hand. A mentor helps a person achieve their goals by empowering them to develop the right toolbox of skills needed to do so.
Another area where a mentor can make a pivotal difference in a person’s level of success is through networking. A mentor is someone who has many established connections in the industry and is a respected professional. They foster quality connections to others in the industry, as well as lend their reputation to that of those they mentor. Networking is one of the most powerful career builders around, and a trusted mentor is a key part of that.
The mentor and mentee relationship must be two-sided to work. For a mentor to truly become a source of support and a beneficial tool in building success and reaching personal goals, they cannot do it alone, mentees must be willing to put in the effort as well. With the right commitment and effort on both parts, a mentor is one of the most valuable connections a person can make, at any time of their career.
Alballero started his most recent company IOOGO with his wife Kristy and credits his experience starting other businesses, as well as the advice of his mentors for being able to accomplish what he has. A quality mentor relationship can boost confidence, build skills, foster connections, identify goals, and provide valuable insight and knowledge that help lift a person to achieving success. Anyone looking to move forward in business and in life should consider the many benefits that come with finding a trusted and quality mentor.