Business Mentorship: The Highs, Lows & Lessons

Business Mentorship: The Highs, the Lows, and Lessons from My Creative Business

Running a small business can feel like a juggling act.  As someone who runs a garment printing and embroidery business, I know first-hand what it’s like to be the designer, the maker, the accountant, and the toilet cleaner – all at once.

That’s why business mentorship is often recommended. A mentor can guide you, share their experience, and help you avoid costly mistakes. But mentorship isn’t always smooth sailing, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

In this blog, I’m sharing the highs and lows of business mentorship, what to look for in a good mentor, what to avoid, and why building a supportive business community has been just as important for me.

Some Benefits of Business Mentorship

When it works, mentorship can be one of the best decisions you make for your business.

• Guidance – A good mentor has been through the ups and downs of running a business and can help you navigate challenges such as pricing, marketing, and dealing with tricky customers.

• Fresh perspective – It’s easy to get stuck in your own head when you work alone. A mentor can see your business from the outside and suggest new ideas or approaches.

• Accountability – When you’re a lone worker, it’s easy to lose focus. A mentor can help you stay on track with your goals and give you that little nudge to keep going.

• Confidence boost – Having someone experienced tell you you’re on the right track can make all the difference on the days when you doubt yourself.

Some Downsides of Business Mentorship

It’s important to be realistic – mentorship isn’t perfect and sometimes it just doesn’t work out.

• Generic advice – Not all advice is relevant to a small, creative business. What worked for your mentor might not fit your niche or your customers.

• Listens to respond – You can tell they’re preparing their answer before you’ve even finished speaking. Look for someone who will listen to understand.  Who will ask, Why? How can I help? What was your thought process on this? A mentor should avoid judging and assuming.   

• Lack of accountability – If a mentor doesn’t follow through on their promises or review your progress, the relationship can feel one-sided.

• Time commitment – Mentorship requires regular check-ins. If it’s not the right match, it can become more of a drain than a help.

• Blurring the lines – A mentor should guide your business, not pull you into theirs or involve you in their team, politics, or internal issues.  
  
  
• Respecting your privacy – A mentor should protect your confidentiality, ensuring their team or colleagues don’t discuss you or your business. Mentorship is about supporting your growth, not encouraging gossip or commentary.  Protecting the mentee is part of a mentor’s responsibility.

Why Community Matters Just as Much

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that mentorship is just one tool. For me, the real game-changer has been building a network of other small business owners and creatives.

Having a community means:

• Sharing tips and resources

• Celebrating each other’s wins

• Learning from other people’s mistakes

• Feeling less isolated on tough days

Being in a creative industry can feel lonely, but finding your people – whether online or in person – can keep you inspired and motivated.

Final Thoughts

Business mentorship can be hugely beneficial, but it’s not the only path to growth. Whether you work with a mentor, join a mastermind group, or simply connect with other creatives in your area, the key is finding support that fits your personality and your business.

Your journey as a business owner is unique – take the advice that feels right, leave what doesn’t, and focus on building the business that feels true to you.

I’d like to acknowledge and say thank you to the person who I saw as a mentor for the guidance provided over the past two years.  I wish them well. 

Have a great week,

Katie

This blog shares general observations for creative business owners and is not legal, financial, or professional advice.