Become a Mentor
Q.What are the time obligations of being a mentor?
The time is flexible - as little or as much time as you have to give.
When we call a mentor to help a client , the first question is always “are you available"? If the mentor is not available, we simply ask another mentor.
Once an assignment is accepted you do have an obligation to complete it. However, if you cannot complete the assignment, simply notify both the client and Mentor Services so that other arrangements can be made.
Q. How long does mentoring take?
The average mentoring assignment is approximately 2 ½ hours. This may consist of a phone call to arrange a meeting and gather information, perhaps a one hour meeting to review the problems and offer opinions and a follow up meeting to ascertain progress.
Depending upon the relationship, the mentor may invite a client to call if they need further assistance or arrange follow up contact. Some mentors are still intermittently in touch with clients after five years.
Q. Am I old enough or experienced enough to be a mentor?
Everyone needs a mentor - even if its just for networking or as a sounding board. If you are a good listener, if you enjoy sharing your skills and experiences and if you are excited about learning from others as well, you will be a great mentor.
Q. How are mentors and clients matched?
Information collected from the client determines industry, classification of perceived problem and geographic location. This information is used to select a mentor with the appropriate skills and experience who is in the appropriate geographic area.
Q. What happens if a mismatch is made or client and mentor know each other?
Either or both the client and the mentor are able to request a change. In the event of the participants being known to each other, each is giventhe opportunity to select a different person.
Q. What are the benefits of this program to the community?
The Mentor Services program provides a WIN for small business, small business intenders and not-for-profit community groups. They all benefit from the guidance given and businesses survive and grow to provide or maintain jobs in the community.
Mentors are enabled to contribute back to the community some of the benefit they have gained.
The community gains because businesses and community groups thrive, providing economic and social benefits to the community.
