Mentorship matters. Many of the world’s top entrepreneurs have credited their success in part to their mentors and as small business owner, it’s important to understand the value behind having a trusted supporter.

A mentor can be the missing link to take your small business to the next level. While it’s difficult choosing or finding a mentor that fits with your goals and expectations, when you do, it has the power to make a positive impact to your well-being, productivity and the way you operate your business.

Here are three reasons why having a mentor can make all the difference in your small business:

1. You Don’t Know It All

After a few big wins, it’s easy to fall into a delusion of grandeur where you feel like you know it all. It’s also a common trait of entrepreneurs to be afraid to show signs of weakness, which often leads them to steer away from reaching out for support.

The right mentor won’t let you repeat the mistakes they’ve preciously made, or that they might have witnessed along their path to success. They will teach you to be adaptable, open to feedback and to remain focused.

Your mentor will come through in situations where your back is against the wall and you feel stuck. Why? They’ve been through it. Their hindsight will be your foresight. They will help you continue to move in a forward motion and will teach you to make quick, but well thought out business decisions.

2. You Will Be Able to Talk to Someone Without There Being a Conflict of Interest

Having a mentor is different than speaking with your boss or a family member. Mentors offer an outsiders perspective that is often hard to find in people you connected with on a personal level. They won’t be afraid to be hurt your feelings, challenge your ideas or create waves.

Good mentors cultivate a “safe space” where you can talk about your biggest fear or your newest business idea. The right mentor will have a fresh outlook, clear of any personal objections and this will be invaluable.

3. You Will Become More Self-Aware

Having a mentor will allow you to get to know yourself- your strengths and your areas of improvement. A mentor will encourage reflection; they will encourage you to think about why you are making the decisions you are making and how it will impact your small business.

This self-awareness will translate directly into your workplace and will have a positive effect on you’re the people around you. A good mentor will inspire you to be better in all aspects of your life.

If you are looking to make your mark in your field, be open to finding a mentor- someone who has lived through the same fears and who will be a guide on your road to the top and don’t forget to thank your mentors and pay it forward. If you are in a position to share your own experience, become a mentor yourself. Who knows, you might be someone who can make all the difference to an aspiring entrepreneur.

For small business mentoring programs in your area, visit MentorshipBC.