In the second part of our Meet Our Mentors series, we introduce you to Scotland-based Tony Couch of compliance-achievement company isCompliant Ltd. The company helps businesses achieve ISO accreditation and advises SMEs on how to understand compliance. Recording processes in a management system will help businesses increase their efficiency through various modules, whilst being able to access information remotely.
Here at Transmit Start-Ups, upon completion of a successful loan application, we assign each entrepreneur their own mentor. We believe the mentoring process to be an integral part of building a successful business, someone to provide support and bounce ideas off and who can share their own experiences to head you in the right direction. On hand for a few hours each month, we’d like to help you get to know our team of mentors a little better. So without further ado, we welcome Tony Couch to share his thoughts on mentoring, past experiences and what he feels he can bring along to the mentoring table…
Please provide your name, location and brief description of your role as mentor
Name: Tony Couch. Location: Beattock, Southern Scotland. Mentor Role: Supporting business owners through guidance, challenge, provision of information/encouragement and a sense of realism in assisting them to define and achieve their business objectives. Gaining a real understanding of the business through observation and questioning. Explaining and removing some of the mystery surrounding business management through an objective and unbiased approach.
As well as your role as a Transmit Start Ups mentor, what other work are you involved with that benefits your role as mentor?
I was a business adviser for 12 years which provided a first-hand awareness of various business models, sectors and size along with a real understanding of the ways in which people approach developing a business and the common pitfalls that are encountered – or not foreseen.
I am a member of the local Community Council which provides challenges in influencing desired outcomes, communication and operating effectively in group scenarios.
My current full time employment is based around business improvement, operational efficiency and identifying and implementing robust and varied business processes and procedures. This involves understanding a wide range of business practices and methodologies as well as seeing what makes businesses work.
What made you decide to get involved in mentoring?
Coming from a training and development background, in addition to the buzz I got from seeing people applying the skills, knowledge and techniques learned it was very satisfying to see people grow, assume responsibility and gain confidence in embracing new challenges. Mentoring is an opportunity to help others in the same way as I have been assisted by mentor figures in the past. I enjoy helping others.
What do you think are good qualities needed to become a mentor?
Patience, tolerance, openness, approachability, non-judgemental, communication, listening, questioning, honesty, integrity, consistency, reliability, decision making, calmness.
How will new start-up companies benefit from being mentored by you?
Access to a wealth of expertise and knowledge that otherwise would not be available, but importantly provided and delivered in a way that is timely and related specifically to the business scenario involved. Gaining in the confidence required to enable appropriate and effective decision making. Guidance and introduction to other appropriate sources of skill/knowledge/expertise. Avoiding potentially costly errors/omissions and achieving progress at a faster pace. Feeling of security that someone is on hand to assist and be a sounding board.
What can new companies expect from working with a mentor?
That will depend on the individuals involved and how the mentor/mentee relationship is agreed. In a well-constructed and implemented relationship much of the following should be evident:
Some ground rules need to be established with any boundaries/aims/objectives clearly identified.
Reassurance and a reduction in the feeling of isolation, particularly for Sole Traders.
The prevalence of a rational approach and application of common sense or logic in working through solutions and decisions.
A clear development of understanding around the business and its direction that builds over the period the mentor relationship is in place. Leading to maximum self-sufficiency and confidence for the owner at the conclusion of the relationship.
Developing a clear approach to looking at a more strategic view of the business. Assisting with owner(s) working more ON the business rather than IN the business.
Confidence to conclude the relationship if no further progress looks possible and/or change the mentor in the event of the arrangement not functioning correctly.
Companies should be able to experience value and tangible benefits that are achieved because of the Mentor.
What are your key strengths as a mentor?
Communication, listening, clarifying, coaching, counselling, resource provision, focus, honesty and integrity. I find that effective relationships, from a mentoring perspective are driven, and prosper, through effective communication. I try to use structured questioning techniques wherever possible to develop a line of thought in the mentee that will allow them to reach their own conclusion and decision. My questions are aimed at introducing pertinent factors into their thought process so that the way forward has been decided in the light of the key influences involved without any significant aspect being overlooked.
Have you learned anything yourself from the mentoring process?
No-one can know everything – although Google somewhat simplifies the process of finding new information. The most significant learning has been around stretching my understanding of the capabilities of people to confront challenge and develop the will to prevail. There is no single “right” way of achieving something and the ideas of others are as valid, and sometimes more so, than mine. People are often more willing to offer assistance and support than you maybe initially thought. Being less judgemental of self and others. Timing is often critical. It’s not about me!
If you could offer one tip to an entrepreneur – what would it be and why?
Expect the unexpected! – I am often reminded of a saying oft used by a previous work colleague. “Live with the ambiguity” was often heard when the unexpected arrived at your door. For an Entrepreneur it is essential to not only live with ambiguity but to embrace it and use the experience and determination to excel in the face of challenges and change to enhance your resilience. I have yet to meet an entrepreneur who has needed to develop the ability to overcome obstacles in order to progress their idea so this is a key trait to develop.
Who that you have mentored should we be keeping an eye on?
Kevin O’Sullivan (Danny) who runs Kimchi Cult, a Korean Restaurant/take away in Glasgow.
Danny is keen to grow the business and feels, after nearly a year of refining his menu and business model the time is right to branch out with another outlet. He has embarked on a recruitment and training exercise to ultimately free up some of his time to focus on building the business. Danny has used social media to great effect in building his following and has regularly researched the Korean (and other ethnic) food developments in the UK and is ready to take the next step.
If you’re feeling energised after reading Tony’s words of wisdom and would like to take the next step to starting up your business, apply now for your business loan.
Alternatively, after reading about our mentor and think that you might like to get involved, share your business knowledge and become one of our mentors yourself, we’re always on the look out to find good people to join our mentor team. If you are able to spare a few hours a month, are based in England or Scotland and have past experience either running or advising a business, please contact our Mentoring Manager, Mark Gardner – mark@transmitstartups.co.uk
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