So what is a mentor?

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A mentor is a trusted and experienced advisor or guide who provides guidance, advice, and support to someone with less experience or expertise in a particular field. A mentor can be a role model, a sounding board, and a source of motivation for their mentee.

Mentors can help their mentees by providing insights and perspectives that the mentee may not have considered before, sharing their own experiences and lessons learned, and providing constructive feedback and support. Mentors may also help their mentees to develop their skills and knowledge in a particular area, introduce them to new networks or opportunities, and help them to navigate challenges or obstacles.

Mentoring relationships can be formal or informal and may be established in various settings, including academic, professional, or personal contexts. The goal of mentoring is to help the mentee grow, develop, and achieve their goals, while also benefiting the mentor through the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience and make a positive impact on someone's life or career.

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Is there a difference between a Business advisor and a mentor 

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The terms "business advisor" and "mentor" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two.

A business advisor typically provides professional advice and guidance on specific business issues or challenges, such as financial management, marketing strategy, or human resources. They may be hired by a business on a project basis to provide expert advice or may work with a business on an ongoing basis to provide guidance and support.

On the other hand, a mentor is typically someone with more experience who provides guidance and support to someone with less experience or expertise. A mentor's focus is often on the personal and professional development of their mentee, rather than on specific business issues.

While a business advisor may provide advice on specific business issues, they may not have the same level of personal investment in the mentee's overall development as a mentor. A mentor may also provide advice and support beyond just the specific business issues at hand, such as career development, work-life balance, and personal growth.

Overall, while there may be some overlap between the roles of a business advisor and mentor, a business advisor typically focuses on providing professional advice on specific business issues, while a mentor focuses on providing personal and professional development guidance and support to their mentee.

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AI implementation focused on transferring face to face support t​o online through the use of Live chat and AI - producing huge cost savings and the ability to understand the customer, using the data collected.

 

Mapping the customer journey in the process allowed the organisation to identify opportunities and to increase the value added to the engagement with customers.

 

Opening a shop can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some of the first steps you should consider:

1. Research and plan: Start by researching the market and identifying a suitable location. Determine what kind of shop you want to open and create a business plan that outlines your goals, budget, and marketing strategy.

2. Determine legal requirements: Check with your local government to find out the legal requirements for opening a shop in your area. This may include obtaining a business license, registering for taxes, and obtaining permits.

3. Secure financing: Determine how much money you will need to start your shop and where you will get the financing. This could include personal savings, loans, or investments from family and friends.

4. Choose a name and register your business: Choose a name for your shop and register it with the appropriate government agencies.

5. Find suppliers: Determine what products you want to sell and identify suppliers who can provide them at competitive prices.

6. Set up your shop: Decide on the layout of your shop and purchase the necessary equipment, furniture, and decorations.

7. Hire staff: Determine the number of staff you will need and hire them based on your budget and business needs.

By taking these steps, you can lay the foundation for a successful shop and increase your chances of long-term success.

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Instant business advice whilst on the go, Understanding that business
owners have little time to seek advice and support in this fast paced world, We offer ‘Live Chat’ opportunity which enables start ups, entrepreneurs and business owners to speak remotely with me without the need to travel.

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Whether you have a business idea you'd like to explore or you're already running a small business, As an experienced Business Advisors I can provide you with free business advice, guidance and support.

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Here at the Retail Doctor, I deliver free initial business advice and support online via our Live Chat Service and face-to-face business advice.