Entrepreneurs and business owners can often pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to work with business mentors. They seek guidance to help them find their purpose and hone into their operations to encourage business growth. However, there is not just one person that can give you everything you need when it comes to mentoring. It is essential to find a variety of mentors who can help your business on the way. Different kinds of people need to nudge you in the right direction. To help your business, take a look at the different types of people who can help with small business mentoring in Ventura County and Santa Barbara.
Types of Mentors in Ventura County and Santa Barbara for Small Business Mentoring
- Family and friends
Friends can give you great support and mentoring. These people often ask you the basic questions about your business, which can help you build a solid foundation and mission. Even if your friends and family are not business-savvy, they can prompt smart thinking and encourage your personality to shine. This is one group of people you may lean on throughout the good and the bad.
- Accountants
When it comes to your small business, you need a reliable accountant. They can suggest ways to fund your business and prepare financial proposals. If you need help creating a business budget, accountants have you covered. When your business starts bringing in revenue, they can determine the financial health of your company. Accountants can assist in measuring your business’s performance and come with ways to help your company if it’s underperforming.
- Lawyers
When starting a business, there are some legal hoops to jump through first. A lawyer can help establish your business structure, put together a solid business plan, and help register your company. They can also help you buy a business if that is your goal, and ensure that you have the correct licensing to run the company. Ideally, you will want to work with a lawyer who specializes in small businesses.
- Recruiters
When growing your business, that means growing your team, too. Recruiters are there to understand your business needs and wants, while directing ideal and qualified candidates to your business. They can put together a detailed job description to attract the right talent. Talk with a recruiter who is experienced in your industry about your business needs.
- Other business owners
Business owners before you have faced common challenges and overcome hurdles that you may be facing. They know what you’re going through and what you need to do. Business owners have a different perspective than other professional mentors. Ask a business owner who specializes in the same niche as you if they can offer any advice. They can also make recommendations about other mentors, pointing you in the right direction.
These are just a few types of people who can help with your small business mentoring in Ventura County and Santa Barbara. At Economic Development Collaborative, we understand that it’s a challenging time for all. Click here for more resources to assist your business during this time. For more guidance on growing your own business, contact the Economic Development Collaborative. Our team of over thirty business advisors will work together to ensure that all of your business needs and questions are addressed. Conveniently located in Camarillo, California, we’re here to help.