Sharing our gifts should be a no-brainer, but many of us entrepreneurs find ourselves siloed, too busy, or lacking the confidence to invite others into the process as we pursue our goals and dreams. Business coach and mentor, Laine Schmidt, from Laine Schmidt Coaching, shares her tested techniques for becoming an approachable thought-leader who builds others up.

Laine has been mentoring for 15 years. The coaches on her team partners with professionals all across the country to help them reach their goals. By establishing goals, assessing behavioral changes, creating a plan for forward movement, and offering accountability, she and her team provide professionals with the support they need to achieve their best. When professionals thrive, communities as a whole will thrive.

Why is it important for professionals to share their gifts with other professionals?

It’s important to share the gift of coaching and mentorship because having an objective soundboard and intentional time to process and plan are necessary to make healthy progress.

Continuing education—books, podcasts, online courses—are a must. But those resources are limited. They don’t provide the learning and connections that come from one-on-one mentoring. Just as children learn from modeling, professionals do, as well. This means that as leaders, we must make this a part of building our teams, and as professionals, we must seek out those who can inspire and teach us. As entrepreneurs, we don’t just grow from knowledge about our craft but from building a network of people around us who challenge and advocate for us.

Tell me about the time you opened yourself up and shared your gift with someone for the first time. What did that experience feel like?

My first coaching client was actually five clients at one time. My internship with Coach Training Academy challenged me to find five people to coach, in all different areas— relationships, health, business, etc. It was an extremely beneficial program, facilitated by Master Certified Coaches. That’s when I found my love for business coaching. There is so much fruit and such a high demand for people craving what coaching offers. The first season of coaching was energizing. Leading people through the discovery phase and challenges—then seeing them come out on the other side truly feels like a privilege. Walking alongside people to help them find less stress, more fulfilling careers, work/life balance, and more productivity is not only exciting, it’s something different every day.

Did you feel alone on this journey or was there a specific person or something that cultivated your unique gifting? If so, who/what was it? In what ways were you encouraged?

There were a few people. My husband, Brad, has always been my greatest champion. He’s been encouraging, a wise counselor, and also patient and accommodating with my new schedule. I’ve had two mentors. Dave Ingram was a colleague of mine while I was a teacher.  He was truly the epitome of grace and wisdom. Another mentor is George Cantafio; we work together at Dale Carnegie Training, and he has mentored me not only in regards to skills, but has been a great example of leadership and poise. I’m so very grateful for all of them. They give me a lot to live up to. They have modeled for me how to care for others well.

Do you ever suffer from “imposter-syndrome?” Where do you find the courage to be vulnerable with your gifts?

I do! Not so much in the practice of coaching, as in the business development aspect of things.  Entrepreneurs wear so many hats, and I think I’m learning to delegate and accept that I don’t have all the time or skills in the world. When I run into things I’m unsure of, I just push through. Doing things that are uncomfortable is the best way to gain confidence and knowledge.

What advice would you give to someone lacking the confidence to share their gifts with others?

For most people, a beautiful part of life is that we can try things, and if they don’t work, we can try something else. But if we try it and it works, what a wonderful experience for both you and the people you serve. Don’t let lack of confidence, or lack of resources, deter you from sharing your magic with the world. Both of those things are available to those willing to find them.

What are some key elements of successful mentoring?

If you’re a woman looking to mentor other women, thank you! We need more people willing to offer their time and expertise. A large part of mentoring is listening. Without knowing where our mentees are and where they are headed, we can’t properly lead them. There is a time and place for offering wisdom, let that be bolstered first by times of learning about the people we are mentoring. Another thing to keep in mind is that mentees are going to do things differently than us, and sometimes, that’s okay.  We can’t let pride get in the way of their growth—it’s about them and what they bring to the table. We should support and guide, and also celebrate their unique abilities.

What advice do you have for someone who is looking for a mentor but doesn’t know where to start?

It depends on what type of mentor they are looking for. If someone is looking for guidance in regards to processing the past, current personal troubles, or spiritual life—seek out a counselor, pastor, or trusted friend. If someone is looking for mentorship for their professional life, seek out an expert in their field who is willing to mentor them, or find a coach. I know a few. 😉

What kind of resources would you recommend to people in need of support?

I am a huge believer in continuing education. Along with coaching, I’m a Dale Carnegie trainer. We teach the people side of business. I highly recommend their courses—they will change your life. Some books that I think are must-haves are Your Brain at Work by David Rock, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and Start with Why by Simon Sinek.

In 2018, Laine Schmidt Coaching launched “The Business Lab,” which is a monthly event for local South Florida professionals to gain business insights and meet other local professionals. We do larger, workshop events and also have casual, social nights.  This year, we’ll be launching The Business Lab Podcast; be on the lookout.

You’ve got the tools, now it’s time to put yourself out there! Be intentional to look around you and offer support to the women in your community. And don’t be afraid to ask for help yourself! We’re better together.

For more advice, encouragement, and opportunities to connect with professionals, follow Laine at @LaineSchmidtCoaching and @BuisnessLabFTL. Her team would love to connect with you and help promote and support you in any way they can.