A dramatic increase in requests for business mentoring has been fuelled by the current economic crisis, new research suggests.
Over the last three months, searches for mentoring, support and advice have increased by 116%, according to business directory Yell.com. Online mentoring service Horsesmouth also recorded a 200% increase in business related searches since June.
MT Rainey, Horsesmouth founder, said the challenging economic times meant increasing numbers of people were seeking online advice.
Brent Hoberman, founder mydeco.com and co-founder of Lastminute.com, who benefited from mentoring himself, said:
“A positive mentoring relationship can be invaluable to small businesses, especially new start-ups. It can help you avoid making mistakes, grow your confidence and build trust in your instincts.”
In an effort to raise awareness of the benefits of business mentoring Horsesmouth and Yell.com are currently running the Yell Mentoring Works Awards, which offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution advisors have had on their companies.
Entrepreneurs have three weeks to nominate their business mentor, and one winner will receive £1,000 plus a breakfast meeting with either Brent Hoberman; Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins; Coffee Republic founder Sahar Hashemi, or internet entrepreneur Ben Way.
For more information visit http://www.horsesmouth.co.uk/publisha.content/yell/default.publisha
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008