Mentorship and ongoing learning fuel personal and professional growth. Research shows that mentored businesses have a 12% greater likelihood of still being in business a year down the road. Mentorship provides new networking opportunities and the chance to learn from another’s real-life successes (and failures) and be encouraged as you tread the path of business ownership.
If you don’t have a mentor, don’t worry. You don’t have to run out right now to find one because mentorship comes in many forms. One of our favorites is podcasts and for good reason.
Benefits of podcasts
As a small business owner, we know you’re beyond busy. Balancing life with building (and maintaining) a strong and growing business doesn’t come easy. Small business owners experience a unique demand on their time that often overflows into their personal lives. But sixty-three percent of business owners report that listening (and learning) while multitasking makes podcasts a beneficial learning tool. Being able to glean valuable business information and lessons while working out, commuting or walking to lunch is a critical asset for the busy business owner.
Podcasts open a whole world of information to us in our busy, on-the-go lives, making them an easy way to consume information and generate new ideas on the go. No wonder that in 2018, podcast listening increased by 40%.
Here are 7 must-listen-to podcasts that cover the challenges and successes of business launching, ownership, marketing and work-life balance to help you drive your business (and self) to greater heights.
Online Marketing Made Easy
If you’re running an eCommerce business or looking to expand your organic marketing through blogging and social media, Amy Porterfield’s podcast may become your new go-to tool. She provides loads of information and expert guests to guide and fashion your marketing and help your business tap into the fundamentals of everything from email marketing, social media ads and videos. Even the busiest of business owners could find 30-45 minutes to tune into this treasure trove. Listen here.
Mixergy
Even the most successful business owners could use a little inspiration every now and then to keep them going strong. And Mixergy is your perfect blend of inspiration and hardcore mentorship. This interview-driven podcast provides a range of startup case studies, founder/owner interviews and of course the vital “how-to’s” that provide actionable advice for overcoming challenges like recovering cash flow and more. Listen here.
Eventual Millionaire
The secret to making your first (and second and third) million is in the company you keep. Your income and success will be the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, and business coach Jamie Masters makes it possible for you to get up close and personal with some of the best. His interviews with millionaire entrepreneurs dig deep into great successes and failures to help you realize that that failing doesn’t have to equal failure. Listen here.
Zen Founder Podcast
Balancing business and personal life is a challenge for many small business owners who have to show up at their best everyday to keep their business going strong. This podcast not only addresses building your business but focuses on the importance of personal health, family, life and how to balance it all. Listen here.
Marketing School
Nail Patel will help you stay on top of trends in internet marketing in only 5-10 minutes a day. Together with Eric Siu, the duo provides marketing tips that small businesses can implement right away. Who knew 10 minutes could practically change the course of your business and life? Listen here.
Small Business Unstuck
Entrepreneur Barry Moltz dives into more than a decade of personal successes and failures to honestly relate with the everyday business owner. By hearing the ups and downs of his own experiences, you’ll learn to work out of ruts and overcome the challenges that are common to small businesses. Listen here.
The EntreLeadership Podcast
You’re more than just a business owner. You are a leader in your business. Improving your leadership skills and potential can help drive your business forward and make you a brand really worth following. Through advice, tips and interviews with celebrity business owners, you’ll learn how to maximize your profits, optimize your business and strengthen your team. Listen here.
