I write regularly for a women’s business website, and I often have the opportunity to interview career women who are really making a difference in their workplaces and their communities. In these interviews, we often discuss how they got where they are, what kinds of things factored into their success, and how they find work-life balance. One factor that almost always comes up is mentors, and the importance of women helping other women. How do you find a mentor? And what is the difference between coaching and mentoring?
Along these same lines, a LinkedIn survey found that 82% of women agree that having a mentor is important, but only one in five reports actually having one. In fact, 52% report that they don’t have a mentor, because they simply can’t find one. How do you find a business coach or mentor?
Mentors can come in many forms. It might be a mother figure, it may be someone in a completely different line of work, and it might be someone older or younger than you. It can be a childhood friend. In most cases, it would be someone who has a positive impact on your life and who seems to resonate with your way of thinking.
When you think about it, whether you are a career woman, a mompreneur, or both, you are probably pretty darn busy. You may already have your circle of girlfriends, and feel too overwhelmed to take the time to meet other women. The problem is you may be missing out on a valuable and traditional model of growth.
Studies have shown that mentors can greatly help to propel one’s career, and they can have the same affect on one’s personal life. Many of the women I have interviewed explained that their most impactful female mentors have been those who display effective balancing techniques. These are women who are setting appropriate boundaries, making time for themselves and their families, and are fulfilled and, simply put, happy.
This spring, Heartmanity is involved in two different events that are designed to help women connect and support each other. Through participating in one or both, and stepping out of your busy lives for a moment, you may walk away with a new support system and a fresh outlook that can make all the difference for a happier future.
Heartmanity conducts women's retreats called WOW: Women on Wisdom designed to inspire and empower women to re-access their true selves, especially powerful women who often get caught up or lost in the abyss of busy living. Through group discussions, exercises, meditations, and more, this is a great way to connect with likeminded women, and with yourself, to achieve inner peace and outer power.
Heartmanity also has a women's group and workshop series geared toward career women called Leading from Within. This group is focused on self-awareness and how our inner world affects our business and relationships. Learning to attune to your true self, your intuition, and values catapults your business to a whole new level.
If you're interested in Heartmanity classes, women's groups, and events, contact us at support@heartmanity to get more information.
If you'd like to meet the founder of Heartmanity, her business will be among 20 local businesses that are geared in some way towards women, to create a fun, ladies-only night out. Hosted by Montana Parent magazine and Gallatin Valley Furniture, this event is designed to pamper. Along with food and beverages, there are tarot readings, mini massages, makeovers, and much more. “It’s more like a big party or a wedding than a business expo,” says Cora Larson of Montana Parent.
It’s also designed for likeminded women to be able to network, connect, and de-stress. “Busy woman in this society don’t always spend time on themselves,” Larson says. “And since women are such natural communicators, this is a small way to have a little fun with other women and reduce some stress.”
Check your local event listings for more information about Lady's Night Out. Due to Covid, it may be postponed.
And we really want to know - do you have a mentor? If yes, how did you find them and what has that relationship brought to your life? Or, are you without a mentor currently? If so, are you content without one or do you hope to find one? Leave a comment below so we all can benefit from each other's wisdom.