Finding the Right Help for Your Business
- Dorian Cunion
- May 12
- 4 min read
As a small business owner, there inevitably comes a point where “doing it all yourself” is no longer a viable strategy for growth. You realize you need external support, but the market is flooded with different types of professionals. Should you find a mentor, hire a consultant, or start seeing a therapist?
Getting Help for Your Business
Determining the right type of help depends entirely on your current phase of development and the specific challenges you face. Here is a breakdown of the five primary “helpers” and guidance on choosing the one that best fits your current needs.
1. The Mentor: The Experienced Guide
A mentor is someone who has already walked the path you are currently on. They provide wisdom, tips, and general guidance based on their personal history and success.
Advantages: Usually a low-cost or volunteer relationship; provides a “roadmap” based on real-world experience.
Disadvantages: They may not have deep visibility into your specific business data, and their advice may be anecdotal and not always applicable to your unique situation.
How to Find Them: Look to your existing professional network, industry associations, or local civic groups, such as Rotary Clubs or SCORE.
2. The Advisor: The Integrated Partner
Advisors are regularly involved in your business. Unlike mentors, they have high visibility into your operations and financials, allowing them to give specific, data-driven feedback.
Advantages: High-quality, specific feedback; they understand the “why” behind your business decisions.
Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than a mentor; requires a high level of trust and transparency.
How to Find Them: Look within your specific industry. You can find advisors through networking or even by posting a formal job description for an advisory board member.
3. The Coach: The Catalyst for Clarity
A coach believes that you already have the answers and the potential to succeed. Their role is to pull information out of you rather than push advice onto you. They create the space for reflection and accountability.
Advantages: Empowers you to lead; focuses on long-term personal and professional growth; helps clarify goals and actions.
Disadvantages: Not the right choice if you are looking for someone to give you a “how-to” manual or a technical solution.
How to Find Them: The International Coaching Federation (ICF) website is a premier resource. Searching their directory ensures you find coaches who have met rigorous training standards and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
4. The Consultant: The Subject Matter Expert
Consultants are hired for their specialized knowledge in areas like marketing, logistics, branding, or strategy. They usually apply a proven, repeatable formula to your business to solve a specific problem.
Advantages: Accelerates growth by applying a system that works; saves you from the trial and error of “figuring it out” yourself.
Disadvantages: Once the contract ends, the expertise often leaves with them; it can be a significant financial investment.
How to Find Them: Search for firms or freelancers specializing in the specific “gap” you’ve identified (e.g., a “supply chain consultant” or “branding agency”).
5. The Therapist: The Foundation of Wellness
Business ownership is high-stress. A licensed therapist helps you navigate the internal emotional landscape, identifying patterns of behavior and interventions to improve mental wellness.
Advantages: Improves overall mental health; helps manage the anxiety and stress unique to entrepreneurship.
Disadvantages: Does not focus on business strategy or tactical growth.
How to Find Them: A targeted search on platforms like Psychology Today or a general Google search can help you find specialists who understand the high-pressure environment of leadership.
Assessing Your Current Needs
Before reaching out for help, ask yourself these three questions to determine which direction to go:
Do I have all the information I need? (If not, look for a Mentor or Consultant.)
Am I lacking confidence in my current plan? (If so, look for a Coach or Advisor.)
Are my current hurdles internal (mindset/stress)? (present- or future-focused Coach; severe and ongoing, a therapist).
By identifying exactly where you are stuck, you can ensure that the “helper” you bring into your business is the one who will actually help you move the needle.
Are you currently finding that your biggest challenges are coming from internal mindset shifts or external business systems?
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