Sara’s Blog: Mentoring support and help to go it alone

Whatever stage your business is at, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day and lose sight of your medium and long-term goals. Throw a pandemic in the mix for good measure and it’s a wonder that anyone is keeping on track with their business plan (or what business plan?).

What we all need is some friendly, experienced help – nothing too formal, just the opportunity for a chat with someone who has been there, done that and lived through other recessions. And someone who can view the business without the emotional attachment of owners and senior management.

We have a team of experienced business mentors who all volunteer to act as critical friends, guides, and sources of significant expertise, depending on the needs of the business who asks for help.

Our mentors may be still working or semi-retired but what they all love helping other business people achieve success and have a commitment to building a dynamic and stronger local economy.

Many of our mentors have given the free 16 hours of advice – and then carried on working with the business because they have proved to add significant value.

Mentor Jason Moody explains his ethos, “I encourage the business owner to be clear about what represents success. Transparent and simple reporting is vital.

“It’s important to identify the few tasks that will have the biggest impact. Doing a great job of the most important tasks is much better than an average job of everything on your ‘to do’ list. I also want to see clarity and conviction in the eyes of the individuals I work with.”

Every business can benefit and if you feel you and your business could be one of those now, please drop Richard Carty an email and let’s get you hooked up with someone to make a difference: richard.carty@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

But what happens if you are just thinking about starting out in business? Its not just established businesses who can benefit from support.

The pandemic has seen many people working from home which has meant time to ponder a new way of working and self-employment. Or maybe they are facing redundancy or have had enough of the prolonged period of furlough.

If you are looking to start up on your own, we have a team of experienced business advisers who provide tailored support to help you get up and running by getting to grips with essentials such as cashflow forecasting, business planning, marketing, and helping you to access grants and support.

We are also providing specialist help for young people considering self-employment, post further education.

If you or anyone you know would like to discuss your business idea and start your journey to self-employment contact Tom Nadin tom.nadin@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

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