We recently had the opportunity to interview Kelly Marie Hodgkin, Business Mentor and Entrepreneur. Besides, Kelly is the Company Owner of KMH Events. With over 17 years of expertise in this field, Kelly shared her passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed on their journey in a wide range of sectors.
After hosting several motivational networking events, Kelly Marie Hodgkin started individual mentoring and decided to become a business mentor, bridging the gaps in the industry. In this interview, Kelly Marie Hodgkin shares her journey through these years, challenges, the role of business mentors, and the benefits of seeking guidance, while sharing suggestions for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Spark Behind The Idea
We started the interview by asking Kelly Marie Hodgkin, “What inspired you to start your professional journey in this field?”
Kelly shared, “I have founded and invested in many different businesses over the last 17 years and I have always been passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed. I started hosting motivational networking events, which regularly sold out. Then a lot of people asked if I offered individual mentoring, so I decided to become a business mentor because I knew I had the knowledge and experience to help others with their journey.”
A Glimpse Of Kelly’s Journey
We were intrigued to learn about Kelly Marie Hodgkin’s journey over the years. So, we asked, “Could you tell us more about yourself and your business?”
She responds, “I am the founder of KMH Events, a full-service events and promotions agency with several divisions, including KMH Business Retreats, KMH Business Events, and KMH Business Mentoring. I am also an investor in several lifestyle brands, including Gym Clothing Co., a homegrown UAE fitness clothing brand, and Nood – a female-owned company that designs sustainable adhesive bra alternatives.”
Busting Myths
It’s common to have certain misconceptions among people about an industry. So, to unveil the truth, we asked, “What’s a common misconception about your industry that you’d like to address?”
Kelly shared, “Some people assume that mentors are there to fix a company’s problems, but the business owner should take responsibility for the results. A mentor will support them to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to achieve their goals, so they can take the next steps to grow their business.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Being an entrepreneur, facing challenges becomes an inevitable part of the entire journey. So, we asked, “What are some of the main challenges facing entrepreneurs today?”
“A challenge I have faced personally is people’s perception of what being an entrepreneur means. They use the word so flippantly and think entrepreneurship is glamorous or easy when in reality, it’s a full-time job that requires hard work, dedication, and consistency. An obstacle I see with many of my clients is confidence. They get to a certain point in their business where they start to feel safe. Then they lack the confidence to move out of their comfort zone, but doing what makes you uncomfortable is usually when the best results happen.” Kelly Marie Hodgkin replied.
Benefits Of Guidance
We further asked, “Tell us more about the benefits of having a business mentor?”
She continued, “A mentor guides various aspects of business, such as marketing, sales, operations, finance, social media, and HR. Because of their experience, they can offer valuable insights to help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions. They can serve as a sounding board during challenging times.
Mentors often have extensive networks, which they can leverage to provide introductions and opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. They can also help identify any skill gaps and help mentees build confidence to unlock their full potential.”
Building A Rapport With Clients
To learn more about how Kelly Marie Hodgkin ensures offering the best guidance to her clients, we asked, “How do you create a connection with your clients?”
Kelly responds, “When someone is looking for a mentor, it’s helpful if they do their research and find someone whose entrepreneurial background is aligned with their vision. Sometimes the connection is instant but it can also take time to grow the longer you work with each other.
As much as I am there to offer advice, I spend a lot of time listening to the client and letting them share their experiences. Often, discussing their worries and challenges with someone outside of their immediate circle helps them to refocus and regain perspective fast.”
Role Of Business Mentors In The Coming Years
“How do you envision the future of your industry or field in the next 5-10 years?”
She shared, “There has been a sharp rise in entrepreneurs and individuals working with a business mentor and I think this trend will continue to grow as more people see the value. People are realizing that the most successful people never stop learning and looking for support, just like the world’s best athletes will always benefit from having a coach.”
Suggestions For New Founders
Entrepreneurs starting their own company will find it inspiring and helpful to hear from an expert like Kelly Marie Hodgkin. So, we asked, “Do you have a piece of advice that you would like to say to people just starting on their business journey?”
“Get as much help and support as possible from the beginning. Having a mentor on board early can save you significant time and money in the long run. Also, speak to other business owners, educate yourself as much as you can, and make sure you continue learning.” Kelly Marie Hodgkin concluded.
Connect with Kelly Marie Hodgkin on LinkedIn.
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