As you know, women business owners make a significant contribution
to the economic health of our nation and communities. And their
contributions continue to rise as more women become entrepreneurs
and existing women-owned businesses expand.
Experienced, successful women entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs
alike often ask the same question: How can new entrepreneurs learn
from the experiences of others? The answer is mentoring.
Mentoring is a term historically used to describe a teacher-student
relationship. In the business world, mentoring occurs when a more
experienced professional (the mentor) gives significant career assistance
to a less-experienced professional (the protégé). Mentoring relationships
are particularly helpful during a period of transition such as a
new business launch, new product introduction or business expansion.
Mentors are wise and trusted counselors for protégés. A mentor's
knowledge, experience, tenacity and skills offer the growing entrepreneur
guidance, advice and training. However, while a mentor can steer
a protégé in the right direction to reach her potential, protégés
must still rely upon themselves to succeed.
Roles and Responsibilities
Establishing some basic roles and responsibilities can ensure a
successful mentor/protégé relationship. The following chart outlines
a few roles for the mentor, the protégé and for the mentor and protégé
together.
Mentor |
Protege |
Mentor & Protege |
|
|
|
Finding a Mentor That's Right for You
Many organizations have mentoring programs. Look for one in your
community. Contact your local women's business center for more information.
Checklist: Are You Ready for a Mentor?
Instructions: Rank yourself from 1 to 3 on the following issues.
1=Uncertain 3=Very Certain
1. I know the kind of mentoring I want.
2. I'm willing to accept a mentor's help,
if it is appropriate.
3. I'm a good listener. I hear what the
other person is saying.
4. I'm a good follower.
5. I can be counted on to carry out commitments.
6. I learn most new things quickly.
7. I'd be willing to speak up (diplomatically)
if I disagreed with a mentor. I'm not a "yes" person.
8. I'm good about thanking and otherwise
showing appreciation to people who help me.
9. I feel that my "entrepreneurship
potential" is high; ;I'd be a good risk as a protégé.
Becoming a Mentor
Do's and Don'ts for Mentors
Do's |
Don'ts |
|
|
Myths About the Mentor/Protégé Relationship
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