The short answer….growth.  Having a mentor will allow you to grown from the knowledge they can share with you.  Having someone you can ask questions and get answers from regarding your business and the industry will save you a lot of time from filtering out all infromation online. 

Recently, the incubator/cohort that I was in just ended.  Through the cohort, I was able to learn a lot about how to better structure my business.  Participating in the cohort including meeting individually with a mentor/coach.  I had lists of questions every single time we met.  When I first started teaching online, in 2008, I was figuring out everything by myself.  Having a mentor or coach in your industry can be extremely helpful, even if you have been in the industry for years.  Being able to meet and speak with someone will provide you with new ideas and can assist with brainstorming ways to become more innovative.

The cohort allowed me access to a network of individuals that are on the same journey of entrepreneurship.  Even though we aren’t all in the same industry, we were able to learn from one another.  Two of the cohort members are in my industry and we started meeting separate from the group and developed our own accountability sessions.  We are going to continue working with one another and furthering a partnership that will be beneficial to all of our businesses.

Teaching online or working from home with any job can become isolating.  Develop or find a group of like minded individuals to do brief check-ins:

• brainstorms and share ideas,
• share information about best practices,
• share training or workshop opportunities,
• pass along funding opportunities.

Remember, you are a business, you are building a brand.  It’s more than just teaching (if that is your goal)!

 

Every morning, before I even roll out of bed, I read at least 1-3 articles related to my industry.  It is important that I know what is happening in the industry I want to expand and grow my business in as it helps me determine which route I can or should take.  I do not limit what I am learning to the US, even though my business is US based, I have an international audience.  I read articles related to homeschooling AND traditional education.  I need to know information about both sectors.  I do not rely on people’s personal opinions and guesses in Facebook groups about the future of digital/virtual learning. 

I analyze the research, I look at the data and stats.  I read articles about EdTech, although I prefer podcasts and videos when it comes to this topic. Even though I like to keep my technology simple, I like to know what’s available so when my clients have questions, I can point them in the right direction (for my coaching/consulting).  I also get really great information from my students.  They’re plugged in and they will tell me what type of technology-related resources they prefer.  I take (free) online courses related to marketing, specifically digital marketing since this is not my strong point (identify your pain points).  Marketing is not my area of expertise, but I still want to know and be aware of how to effectively market my business.

In between time, I eat, have lessons with my daughter, organize/develop new courses, and work on other business ventures.

DO I NEED A COACH?

Would you benefit from having a coach or a mentor?

What are your pain points in starting/maintaining your business?

Do you work better alone or with a team?

Do you prefer self-paced instructor or live calls?

Consider these questions when looking for a mentor or coach.

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