Forfatter: MentorGuru

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From Figures to Futures: How Accountants are Redefining Mentorship in Business

In the evolving landscape of business, where agility and strategic insight command the forefront, traditional roles are being reimagined to meet these new demands. Among them, accountants are stepping beyond the bounds of ledgers and tax filings to embrace a more holistic, mentorship-focused approach. This transformative shift is not just redefining what it means to be an accountant but is also reshaping how businesses envision growth and success.

Why a Mentorship-Driven Approach Matters

Traditionally, the relationship between a business and its accountant was transactional—centered around compliance, record-keeping, and financial reporting. Today, however, forward-thinking accounting firms are breaking this mold. They are evolving into strategic partners that not only crunch numbers but also craft futures. This paradigm shift towards mentorship in accounting is proving to be a game-changer for businesses seeking not just to survive but to thrive.

Accountants as mentors mean that businesses now have allies equipped with financial acumen and business insights capable of guiding them through complex decisions and market dynamics. These professionals help businesses interpret financial landscapes, manage risk, and seize opportunities in ways that were previously untapped.

Strategic Guidance and Informed Decision-Making

When accountants step into their roles as mentors, they bring a wealth of knowledge that spans beyond general finance. They help business leaders understand the implications of their financial data, providing insights that inform strategic planning and decision-making. From budget forecasts to growth strategies, accountants as mentors ensure that business decisions are both data-driven and strategically sound.

Navigating Challenges with Expert Insights

The journey of a business is fraught with challenges—from cash flow issues to regulatory demands and economic fluctuations. Accountants as mentors are uniquely positioned to guide businesses through these challenges, armed with expertise in financial regulations, economic trends, and industry benchmarks. They provide a steadying hand on the tiller during turbulent times, helping businesses to not only navigate risks but also to position themselves advantageously for future growth.

Building Long-Term Relationships

The shift towards a mentorship model also signals a deeper commitment to client relationships. Accountants who act as mentors invest in the long-term success of their clients, fostering relationships built on trust and enhanced communication. This partnership approach encourages a deeper dialogue about goals, strategies, and visions for the future, aligning business efforts with financial tactics more seamlessly than ever before.

Conclusion: The Accountant of Tomorrow

The accountant of tomorrow is more than a number cruncher; they are a pivotal part of their client’s strategic advisory team. As businesses continue to navigate an increasingly complex world, the value of having a mentor who understands both the minutiae of finance and the broader strokes of business strategy becomes clear. Accountants are not just preparing tax returns; they are preparing businesses for a prosperous future.

In embracing this role, accounting firms are not only enhancing their service offerings but are also setting a new standard for what it means to be a true partner in business. It’s about building futures together, not just balancing books. And in this new era, that makes all the difference.

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Mental Health at Work – Why We Need to Take This Seriously (and Why an 8-Minute Call Can Be Gold)

Welcome to today’s reality, where we run between meetings, emails, and a work culture that could make even a Duracell bunny take a break and catch its breath. October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, and this year’s focus is on mental health in the workplace. And with good reason! The working world has become a place where «balance» often feels like a theoretical state we hear about in TED Talks, not something we actually experience. So, let’s talk about what we can do—and why something as simple as calling a friend for 8 minutes might just save your day (and maybe theirs).

What Exactly Is Mental Health?

Mental health isn’t just a concept for psychology textbooks; it’s how you feel, think, and manage the daily challenges—whether they’re screaming in all caps or whispering quietly in the background. And here’s the thing: just like physical health, mental health can fluctuate day to day. Some days, you’re ready to conquer the world. Other days? It’s more like hiding under the covers and praying no one asks you anything complicated.

Mental vs. Psychological Health – Same Same, But Different?

Let’s take a minute to clear up the jargon. Mental health is about living your best day-to-day life with a healthy balance. Psychological health issues are the clinical side—when your mind says, “Houston, we have a problem.” The statistics are crystal clear: women report stress, anxiety, and depression more often than men. But hold on, says Svend Aage Madsen, an expert who points out that men aren’t handling stress any better; we just ask them the wrong questions. Spoiler alert: men struggle too, they’re just less likely to admit it.

Differences by Gender and Age

Since we’re on the topic, let’s talk about why stress looks different depending on whether you’re a 25-year-old master’s student or a 45-year-old parent with a boss complex. Young adults (think 18-29) tend to mentally collapse under the pressure of social media and “life goals” being churned out on TikTok at a pace no one can keep up with. For adults, the culprit is often the workplace’s «little contribution» to burnout. Work and personal life doing a never-ending dance where neither remembers the steps.

A Bit of Scary Statistics to Cool the Mood

• 44% of us experience loneliness to some degree. • One in five has few or no people to talk to when it really matters. • 86,000 (!) people experience serious workplace bullying every month.

When the numbers scream this loud, it’s time to listen. Ever wondered why so many people wear fake smiles during Teams meetings? This might be why.

What Can We Do? (Yes, There Is Hope!)

Okay, so we know the situation is tough. But here are a few tips that actually work, and they’re so simple you might roll your eyes:

  1. Set boundaries – Don’t be the person who says “yes” to everything just to be seen as the office hero. No one’s applauding when you’re burnt out and sulking in a corner.
  2. Create stress-relief routines – Whether it’s yoga, walks, or putting your phone on airplane mode to listen to birdsong (real or on YouTube).
  3. Seek help when you need it – There’s no shame in admitting you need to talk to someone. It’s actually pretty brave. And no, you’re not the “weird one” at work for calling a therapist.

Bonus Points for Getting a Mentor

Think mentors are reserved for international CEOs and Oprah Winfrey? Think again! A mentor can be your secret weapon for handling work pressure, developing self-awareness, and having someone to brainstorm with who doesn’t redline everything you say.

Conclusion: Call a Friend

So, here’s my challenge to you even after World Mental Health Day: call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Give them 8 minutes of your time. Not just because it’s nice, but because it could make a difference—for both of you.

Mental health isn’t just important the 10. of October; it’s important every day. So take care of yourself, set boundaries, seek support, and for the love of all things good, remember to live a little between work sessions.

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Take Care of Your Mental Health – At Work and Beyond

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of our well-being – and this applies just as much in the workplace. Unfortunately, many people struggle in silence, and the statistics speak for themselves: a full 44% of us feel lonely to some degree, and for many, it has become a challenge to find balance between work and personal life.

So, what can we do to improve our mental health at work? Here are some practical tips:

Set Boundaries
Boundaries are key to avoiding burnout. Know what you can and cannot do, and speak up when things get overwhelming. This is not just to protect yourself but also to ensure that you deliver quality in your work. It’s okay to take breaks!

Establish Stress-Relief Routines
Managing stress isn’t just about what you do when you’re already stressed, but about what you do to prevent it. Find an activity that helps you unwind – maybe yoga, a walk, or music? Having a regular routine for decompressing, especially after a long workday, can work wonders for both your physical and mental health.

Seek Help When You Need It
There’s no shame in asking for help. If things start to get overwhelming, talk to someone. It could be a friend, a colleague, or a professional. Often, putting your feelings into words is the first step towards feeling better.

And let’s not forget – having a mentor or coach can be incredibly valuable when it comes to developing self-awareness and coping strategies for handling work pressure. They’re there to support you and provide advice, whether it’s about goal setting or emotional guidance. So don’t hesitate to seek that extra support.

On this World Mental Health Day, I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on how you can strengthen your own mental health. And maybe, once you’ve done that, you can call an old friend and give them 8 minutes of your time. You never know what difference a conversation can make.

Listen to my podcast «The talk – by Mentorguru» – in Norwegian to learn more about mental health and tools.

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Knowledge Industry vs. Self-Education Industry: A Showdown (7 minutes of your life well spent)

First things first: let’s define the playing field.

The Knowledge Industry is the cool cousin in your professional family, dealing with sectors that produce, refine, and distribute the most powerful substance known to humankind: knowledge. We’re talking education, R&D, IT solutions that make your brain hurt just thinking about them, and those elite consultants who probably charge per second.

Then, there’s the Self-Education Industry. Imagine all the DIY enthusiasts but for learning—people pursuing knowledge outside traditional classrooms, armed with Wi-Fi and too much caffeine. This is the space of online courses, e-books, webinars, video tutorials, and apps. It’s like Hogwarts for grown-ups who want to learn accounting or advanced salsa from their couch.

The Good, the Bad, and the “Why Am I Doing This?” of Self-Education

The Pros:

  • Flexibility that fits around your chaotic life.
  • Customizable learning paths that don’t require a thousand-page syllabus.
  • Skills are as fresh as that “first day of school” outfit.

The Cons:

  • Quality control that sometimes makes you wonder if your instructor just Googled the syllabus.
  • The paradox of choice—too many courses make you click on Netflix instead.
  • Lack of hand-holding, which can be great until you’re metaphorically drowning in educational PDFs.

The Titans: Udemy and Coursera

Udemy is like the Walmart of online learning. Need to know how to code? Check. Want to learn underwater basket weaving? Double-check. With over 100,000 courses, there’s something for everyone, and most courses are priced in that sweet $25-$200 range. But watch out: anyone can teach, so sometimes it’s more “Steve from accounting shares Excel tips” than “Professor from MIT breaks down quantum physics.”

Coursera, on the other hand, is Udemy’s more academic, snooty sibling. Backed by universities and offering everything from certificates to degrees, Coursera boasts partnerships with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and 82 million students. The downside? It can lean more theoretical, so you might learn the art of persuasion but still not convince your dog to stop barking at 3 a.m.

Why Coaches and Mentors Should Care – “Ah, I see” moments for mentors and coaches

Now, why am I, a man who prefers deep conversations and caffeine to trends, waxing poetic about the Knowledge Industry? Because, my friends, this trend could be your ticket to a bigger impact (and, let’s be honest, a healthier bank account).

Three key benefits for coaches and mentors:

  1. Staying Updated: The Knowledge Industry is like a buffet for your brain. Want to learn the newest techniques in motivational interviewing? Need a brush-up on emotional intelligence? There’s a course (or ten) for that.
  2. Building Expertise: Specialization is the name of the game. Why not position yourself as “the coach who conquered executive coaching” or the mentor known for mindfulness workshops that leave participants Zen’d out?
  3. Monetizing Your Knowledge: Why not throw your hat into the self-education ring by developing your own course? Be the Udemy instructor you wish you’d had.

Mark Your Digital Territory

Let’s talk about social media, the necessary evil. If you’re not using it, you’re basically coaching in a void. Here’s how to stop lurking and start thriving:

Pro tips:

  • Know Your Audience: LinkedIn for the suit-and-tie crowd, Instagram for those who live on avocado toast.
  • Make Your Profile Pop: Ditch the selfie and bring on the pro headshots. No one trusts life advice from someone with an angle that screams, “My arm is my tripod.”
  • Engage, Engage, Engage: Social media is a two-way street. Reply to comments, share insights, and don’t be afraid to slide into relevant DMs (professionally, of course).

And don’t underestimate the power of video content—people love seeing a face behind the tips. It builds trust faster than a free coaching session.

The Final Countdown: Online Presence Matters (because who doesn’t want to be found?)

To wrap up, here’s why you need an online presence:

  • Visibility: The more you show up online, the more likely you’ll be found by someone who really, really needs your expertise.
  • Credibility: Sharing knowledge makes people trust you. Sharing success stories makes them want to trust you.
  • Scalability: With an online footprint, you can go from coaching 10 people a month to inspiring thousands with webinars, online courses, and e-books.

In conclusion, the Knowledge and Self-Education industries are like the Wild West, full of opportunities waiting for coaches and mentors who dare to explore. So saddle up, build that online profile, and start sharing your brilliance. Your future clients are just a course or social media post away from finding you.

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The Self-Education Industry: A New Era for Coaches and Mentors

Welcome to a world where self-education is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle and a necessity in our continuous pursuit of knowledge. With a global value of 15 billion dollars, the self-education and knowledge industries have opened up a new dimension of possibilities for both educators and learners.

In this blog and in my podcast, I will explore how we as coaches and mentors can navigate and benefit from this flourishing sector. From offering personalized courses on online platforms to tailoring learning methods to meet our clients’ needs, the opportunities are endless.

The self-education industry is built on principles of accessibility and flexibility, making learning possible for everyone, everywhere. This aligns perfectly with our goal as mentors: to facilitate personal and professional growth. By leveraging resources like online courses, webinars, and digital libraries, we can support our clients on their learning journeys and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

I will also discuss strategies for marketing our services through social media, building an online presence, and how we can use technology to engage and inspire our audience. By sharing success stories and valuable content, we can establish ourselves as reliable guides in a world driven by knowledge and learning.

Join the journey, and let’s explore together how self-education can transform our practice and illuminate our clients’ learning journeys. Let’s take the steps together toward a more enlightened and knowledgeable future!

The podcast I am referring too is The talk – by Mentorguru which is mostly in Norwegian, but some also in English. And this particular episode I will record in English and put it out on YouTube.

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KMP+ House of mentoring – Is mentoring a talent factory?

From my three latest podcast episodes, and my last until the summer.

In the episode we talked about the importance of dialogue, mentoring programmes and the trends and future of mentoring and we do that in three episodes.

And who better to do that with than Kirsten M. Poulsen, with more than 30 years of experience in developing people and organisations, Kirsten is internationally recognized for her knowledge and contribution to the mentoring world, having trained more than 10,000 mentors and mentees with the Mentor+ Approach and the Mentor+Game™. Kirsten founded the KMP+ House of Mentoring in 2000 and she has more than 30 years of experience developing people and organizations. She focus on developing tools and concepts based on research to enhance the quality of organisational mentoring programmes.

KMP+ House of Mentoring serves clients globally delivering high impact programmes leadership & talent Development programmes focusing on mentoring as the vehicle for accelerating, enhancing and ensuring learning – creating effective individual and organizational learning.

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SoMe strategy plan

I have been struggling for how to reach my audience and wondering if it’s important to have as many followers as possible or what.

The first thing they all say is that you have to start by understanding who you’re audience are and optimizing your profile to appeal directly to them. Ok, but when you have private people, businesses, schools/universities it’s not that easy.

And then they say that I should have a focus on creating high-quality, consistent content and actively engage with your followers through comments and user-generated content. Well I am doing my best here…

So I did something that many recommend, I asked IA, and wow what an answer. I was kind of blown away…

In seconds I had Defind my goals and objectives, had an audience analysis, content strategy/pillar, a posting schedule, a hashtag strategy and an engagement strategy. So I promise to do it and become better, also in here in my blog.

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My own podcast studio

I am now in my third session and just released episode #45. I have been thinking about my own studio for a long time and now was the time. Some of my challenges has been the sound, and I think this will do a lot for the sound quality.

Some of the main benefits of a professional podcast studio are: Premium sound quality. High-quality acoustics and soundproofing. High-end equipment and technology, and that’s where I am going now.

For a podcast studio it’s especially two things that is important, the record equipment and to soundproof the room. Regarding the record equipment I went for Røde Podcaster Pro v1.

I will set up for two persons as a standard, but will have the opportunity for four people.

I will put out more about my own private studio late, so stay tuned…

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The Only Thing You Need is to Die – Embracing Life’s Most Morbid Truth

When it comes to old sayings, few are as jarring and straight-to-the-point as: “The only thing you need is to die.” It’s not the kind of phrase that inspires warm fuzzy feelings, but stick with me—there’s more to this dark nugget of wisdom than meets the eye. It’s existentially charged, culturally deep, and even, dare I say, oddly empowering. So, buckle up as we dive into why acknowledging this stark truth might just be the most liberating thing you do today.

Why This Phrase Packs a Punch

First off, let’s not sugarcoat it: when someone drops “The only thing you need is to die” at the dinner table, it’s a conversation stopper. But why does it hit so hard? The answer is simple: it’s true. Death is the one constant, the one guarantee in life. Everything else—your job, relationships, ambitions, anxieties—those are negotiable, mutable, and optional. Death? Non-negotiable.

At first glance, that’s terrifying. But dig a little deeper, and it’s an invitation to strip life down to its bare essentials. If the only thing we’re required to do is die, what are we doing with all the rest of our time here? We’re free to decide, and that’s where this edgy piece of wisdom starts to feel a little… hopeful.

The Philosophy Behind It: Sartre Would Be Proud

Let’s get a bit academic for a second. This phrase sits comfortably within the realm of existentialism, a philosophical school of thought championed by big-brained luminaries like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Sartre would probably raise a glass of red wine and smirk at “The only thing you need is to die” because it’s a stark reminder of what he believed most passionately: life has no preordained meaning, and it’s up to us to create one.

Think about it: if death is the only certainty, then the rest of life is a vast playground of choice. Sure, it’s a playground with rusted swings and existential dread lurking behind the slide, but it’s a playground nonetheless. You can shape your life any way you want, and while that freedom is exhilarating, it’s also heavy with responsibility. Every choice you make—or don’t make—carves out what your life will mean.

So, How Do We Make Choices That Matter?

Alright, you get it: life is a blank canvas, death is inevitable, and Sartre is smirking somewhere. But what does that mean for the choices you make? The trick lies in realizing that if dying is the only real “must,” then everything else you think you have to do is just noise.

Many of us live our lives tangled in a web of perceived obligations. I have to get that promotion. I need to meet societal standards. I should settle down because everyone else is. But if death is the only true endpoint, all those other “musts” are actually choices—choices you are free to accept or reject.

When you remember that life’s only unavoidable event is its end, you can start making decisions that align more closely with what you actually want. Want to quit that high-paying job and open a llama sanctuary? Weird, but go for it. Prefer traveling the world over planting roots? Do it. The only box you absolutely must check on the to-do list of life is “be mortal”—everything else is up to you.

Death Awareness: Your New Best Friend?

Okay, so calling death awareness your “best friend” is a bit much, but humor me. There’s a psychological concept called death awareness that suggests accepting the reality of death can actually lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. When you fully acknowledge that your time here is limited, every moment becomes more precious. The small stuff (read: Karen from HR’s passive-aggressive emails) suddenly feels inconsequential, while the big stuff (meaningful connections, personal growth, inner peace) takes center stage.

Sure, living with death awareness sounds morbid. But it’s like adding salt to chocolate—it balances the flavor and makes life’s sweet moments all the richer.

Creating Meaning in a “Must-Die” World

If life comes with no preloaded meaning, it’s up to you to make your own. This realization can be daunting, but it’s also what makes life an art form. You get to experiment, screw up, pivot, and create something entirely unique.

Albert Camus, another existential heavyweight, said, “The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” If that ancient rock-roller can find purpose in endless toil, surely we can find meaning in the variety of choices we make, fueled by the knowledge that our time is finite.

Final Thoughts: Why This Morbid Truth Might Save You

So, where does this leave us? Right back at that unsettling phrase: “The only thing you need is to die.” It’s not just an invitation to be nihilistic; it’s an invitation to be free. Free to make choices that resonate with who you are, not what the world expects. Free to let go of societal scripts and choose the path that makes you feel alive.

Embrace that death is the only certainty, and use it as a compass to make your choices count. Build a life that, when you’re nearing the one and only thing you need to do, makes you smile at the strange, beautiful mess you’ve created.

And remember: if all else fails, you’re free to set up that llama sanctuary. Because why not?