Mentorship That Works: 10 Questions to Help Women Entrepreneurs Get Real Results

So—you joined a mentoring program, but your business still isn’t where you hoped it would be. Sound familiar? Let’s get real for a moment. Mentoring isn’t magic—it’s momentum. You’ll get out of it what you consistently put into it.

Progress doesn’t come from showing up once. It comes from showing up every time, asking honest questions, applying what you learn, and keeping track of your growth with intention.

That’s how momentum builds. That’s how results happen.

Below are the 10 most common questions women entrepreneurs ask about mentoring—and the real strategies that will help you not just learn, but lead.

1. How do I know I have the right mentor for my entrepreneurial journey?

You know you have the right mentor when there’s alignment: in experience, communication, values, and trust. The right mentor doesn’t just give advice—they ask powerful questions, challenge your thinking, and support your unique journey.

• Check-in Strategy: Ask yourself—am I showing up openly and clearly communicating what I need? Alignment starts with clarity.

2. What can I expect from a mentoring relationship, and how can I make the most of it?

You get what you give. Mentorship isn’t passive. It takes consistency, honesty, and a willingness to stretch. Set goals. Track them. Prepare before meetings. Follow through after. The keys are communication and commitment. 

• Commitment Check: Are you investing the time to work on your business—not just in it? Mentorship works when you do.

3. How can mentoring help me navigate the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship?

Running a business isn’t just strategy—it’s a mindset. Mentors provide a safe space to talk through imposter syndrome, fear, or burnout. We help you reset, refocus, and remind you: you are not alone. Need extra inspiration? Check out Cope Notes.

• Real Talk: Bring your whole self to mentoring—not just the highlight reel. That’s how real growth happens.

4. What strategies can a mentor offer to support my mental health while building my business?

Balance matters. We’ll help you create boundaries, prioritize well-being, and know when to pause and recharge. Emotional fitness is business strength. A mentor will help you connect to mental health resources. 

• Track This: Create a weekly energy log—what drains you, what fuels you—and share it with your mentor.

5. As a startup, what foundational business strategies will mentoring help me with?

Mentors guide you through customer discovery, business models, branding, and setting clear goals. We help you avoid overwhelm and focus on what really moves the needle.

• Progress Hack: Keep a business journal or dashboard. Celebrate small wins, and bring your questions to every meeting. Check out 6 Foundations to Business Success. 

6. How can a mentor help me secure funding and manage finances?

Mentors help you get financially fluent—understanding your numbers, preparing to pitch, and exploring grants or funding sources. We’ll help you get confident about money.

• Reality Check: Don’t avoid the financial talk. Show your mentor your numbers. Clarity = confidence.

7. What are smart ways to grow a strong network—especially as a woman in business?

Your mentor can introduce you to events, people, and platforms to grow your visibility. But YOU must take the next step. Send the email. Schedule the coffee. Follow up.

• Track It: Make networking part of your business plan. 3 new connections a month = momentum. Follow Women Entrepreneur Meetups in our area, check Meetup.com in yours. 

8. How do I grow as a leader and build a solid team?

We’ll talk delegation, team culture, hiring the right people, and setting clear expectations. Great leaders are made, not born.

• Leadership Tip: Ask your mentor what they wish they’d done differently when their team started growing. Learn from their hindsight. 

9. In a fast-changing market, how can a mentor help me stay competitive?

We’ll help you evaluate your offer, listen to the market, and adapt with intention. Innovation doesn’t always mean “more”—it often means “better.”

• Next Step: Schedule a weekly, monthly and quarterly review with your mentor to assess your strategy. If it’s not working, we pivot.

10. What are the most common pitfalls women entrepreneurs make—and how can mentoring help me avoid them?

Top mistakes? Doing everything alone, avoiding the money, undervaluing your time, or saying “yes” too much. Your mentor is here to spot the patterns and hold up the mirror so you can course-correct early.

• Red Flag Reminder: If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed or stuck—tell your mentor. You’re not failing; you’re ready for a breakthrough.

The Bottom Line: Remember, you're in the driver's seat. 

If you want to get the most out of mentoring, here’s the formula:

Show up consistently + Stay honest + Do the work + Track your progress = Real, lasting results

Mentorship is here to support you—not do it for you. So let’s get intentional, stay accountable, and finish this season strong.

Your results are waiting. Are you ready to step up and claim them?

Your next step: Sign up for a mentoring program if you have not already, schedule your next mentoring session, bring your updated goals, and map out your next win—together.

Stay healthy. Stay connected. Stay you. 

Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA 

Founder, President 

SupportHerJourney.org 
C2 Your Health Women's Initiative, Inc. 

Women Move Forward Mentoring Community 

Get the book on Amazon.com! 

She Means Business: Breaking Through and Scaling Up https://a.co/d/7KERmgS 

Women Who Launch: Your Guide to Startup Success  https://a.co/d/3D3Y5SD 

This post is part of the Support Her Journey Blog. © 2025 C2 Your Health Women’s Initiative Inc.

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