Unlocking Success Through Business Mentoring
Gideon Banks is an accidental businessperson who is now helping others take the accidental out of their own businesses.
In 2003 Gideon Banks was a Zoology student at university in Nigeria, when an interest in graphic design led to a gig designing websites. With the web industry booming, his side project quickly morphed into a start-up company of 38 staff, Gideon at the helm.
He’s now living in Ōtautahi Christchurch and having a successful career leading teams in the digital marketing space. But reflecting on those early years, he acknowledges the importance of mentoring in helping others navigate their entrepreneurial path.
“You don't want to lose opportunities or spend months or years trying to figure it all out, when someone has already done it, and has the formula they could just give you.”
Gideon BanksYou don't want to lose opportunities or spend months or years trying to figure it all out, when someone has already done it, and has the formula they could just give you.”
Gideon arrived in New Zealand in 2014 and has lapped up this country’s entrepreneurial spirit. His experience managing teams led him to Business Mentors New Zealand, and he now regularly mentors small business owners.
Gideon says established business professionals possess hidden knowledge they may not be aware of. It's what he refers to as "unconscious competence." By mentoring others, they can help unlock doors for people starting out.
He says the independent spirit of Cantabrians means we are not always good at asking for help. “Kiwis like to build things on their own, and that's great. The only thing is you can do it much faster and better with some help.”
Gideon – who works at Christchurch digital marketing agency Adverb.Digital – says being a mentor also helps his own personal and professional growth and keeps him attuned to emerging trends in business. “One of the greatest rewards comes from identifying quick wins for mentees. Simple actions like implementing Google Analytics or understanding search engine optimisation can yield substantial improvements in quick time.”
While mentors may not have all the answers, their role is vital in providing guidance and an avenue for idea exploration.
“As a mentor you have a sense of responsibility, and I think that sense of responsibility is something that helps the business community as a whole.” Visit the Business Mentor New Zealand website for more details on becoming a business mentor or mentee.
