At different points in your business journey, you will hear people say that every entrepreneur needs a mentor. For some, it sounds like a luxury reserved for big companies or people in very structured industries. For others, it feels unnecessary because they believe their own hard work and instincts will be enough. But the truth is that there comes a stage where more effort is not the solution; what you need is perspective, guidance, and the benefit of someone else’s experience. That is where mentorship becomes valuable.
A mentor does not run your business for you, and they are not there to take over your decisions. Their value lies in helping you see things more clearly, helping you avoid avoidable mistakes, and helping you navigate situations you have never handled before. In a business environment as dynamic and unpredictable as Nigeria’s, having someone who has walked a similar road can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Why Mentorship Matters
One thing we have consistently observed at Kudi Konsult is that two entrepreneurs can start with similar resources, similar ideas, and similar commitment, yet one seems to progress steadily while the other struggles. The difference is often guidance. Mentorship provides clarity when you are unsure, direction when you feel overwhelmed, and accountability when things start to slip. It also provides confidence, because knowing someone more experienced believes in your work often gives you the courage to take steps you would otherwise delay.
A good mentor helps you identify blind spots, think more strategically, and focus your efforts on what actually moves the needle. They help you move from reacting to situations to planning for them. And most importantly, they help you grow into the kind of business owner who makes thoughtful, well-informed decisions.
What Mentorship Is Not
Many entrepreneurs approach mentorship with the wrong expectations. A mentor is not an investor who will fund your business, and they are not a motivational speaker who will cheer you on every morning. They are also not responsible for your success, and they will not chase you around. Mentorship only works when you take responsibility for your growth and show up with seriousness and commitment.
How to Choose the Right Mentor
Choosing the right mentor is not about chasing the most famous or accomplished person you know. It is about choosing someone who aligns with the stage you are in and the kind of business you want to build.
Start with someone whose experience is relevant to your industry or the challenges you are currently facing. Their journey does not have to mirror yours exactly, but they should understand the terrain you are trying to navigate. You should also pay attention to their values. A mentor’s advice only helps when their approach to business aligns with the kind of entrepreneur you want to become.
It is also important to choose someone who can teach. Not every successful person is able to communicate their process clearly. The best mentors are people who can break things down, provide useful examples, and give you the kind of practical guidance you can act on. Finally, mentorship often grows from familiarity. Before reaching out, spend time learning from their content, events, or teachings. That way, you already understand their thinking and they can guide you more effectively.
How to Get the Best Out of a Mentor
Once you have a mentor, the real work begins. You need to show up prepared, with clear questions and specific challenges you want to address. Mentors appreciate mentees who take initiative, do their homework, and return with feedback after implementing advice.
Consistency is also key. Mentorship is not a once-in-a-while conversation. It grows through regular check-ins and honest updates. You should also avoid asking for favours that put pressure on the relationship. Mentors are there to guide you, not to provide shortcuts. And finally, always share progress. It is the simplest way to show gratitude and keep the relationship mutually valuable.
Final Word
Do you need a mentor? If your business is growing, if your responsibilities are expanding, or if you are beginning to face decisions that stretch beyond your experience, then the answer is probably yes. A good mentor does not replace your hard work; they make your hard work more focused and effective. They help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your progress.
At Kudi Konsult, we have seen how mentorship shortens learning curves and strengthens leadership. It gives entrepreneurs the confidence and clarity they need to build stronger, more resilient businesses.
So if you feel stuck or unsure of your next move, it may be time to ask yourself: Who is guiding me on this journey, and who do I learn from?
Sometimes, the right mentor is the difference between going far — and going in circles.
