herMentor

We are often asked by women whether they should get a mentor or a coach? We asked one of our regular mentors, Dennis Roberts (who is also a business coach) for his opinion:

“The terms coaching and mentoring are often used inter-changeably. The best distinction is that ‘a mentor is someone you learn from, whereas a coach is someone you learn with’.

A mentor implies that they have been there, done that in a similar or related field and has a pool of knowledge and experience to draw from and share. A coach doesn’t need to have that same knowledge or experience. He/she just needs to know how to ask the right questions of you to facilitate your self-discovery. Whereas coaching is entirely about the learner, mentoring involves more sharing from the mentor’s experience. 

If I was advising a small business owner starting out to choose between a coach and a mentor, I’d suggest choose a mentor. When you’re entering the world of the unknown (business) there’s a lot to learn and much of that relates to common mistakes in business that a seasoned mentor can point out very quickly. Sure you can learn by making mistakes and growing from them but if there was a faster path, why wouldn’t you choose it?”

Dennis Roberts

coachpro.com.au

So, if you’re looking to grow your business with the help of an expert business owner, then we strongly recommend the mentoring path. 

Congratulations to the businesswomen who graduated this week from the MentorNet program. Your acknowledgement of your achievements, namely more direction in business, increased confidence in your self, more enthusiasm about business, increased business skills, and of course a plan! are inspiring and encouraging.  

We wish you the very best and congratulate you on your commitment to your own education. Thanks also to our mentors who give their time generously and our expert presenters who bring value through their own experience and knowledge.

We hope to welcome you all back to the program.  Regards, Suzi Dafnis 

How much time do you spend growing your business?

When your business is still new you probably spend more time working IN your business than working ON your business. That’s normal - but what successful business owners do is spend time also working ON their business.

Working ON your business includes things like planning, acquiring new business skills, doing ‘big picture work’.

Working IN your business is when you’re doing the doing-ness, the details that need to be done (often the grind!).

We’ve made it easy for you to work ON your business

One way to make working ON your business part of your life is a structured mentoring program. We’ve seen it help 120 women focus and grow their business over the last 12 months.

And that’s why we’d like to invite you to find out how the MentorNet program will help you grow your business IF you are ready. Attend the “Are You Mentor-Ready? Mentoree Information Session (by webinar)  on 4 August, 9.45am for 10.00am - 11.30am AEST and find out more. 

For more information and to register call 1300 720 120 or visit www.abn.org.au/events.

A recent survey of our some of our most successful members showed that Mentoring is a skill that successful women business-owners believe will make them better leaders.

Despite their success in business these women proclaimed that what would make them even BETTER is acquiring skills as a mentor.

So, we’d like to give you the opportunity to improve your leadership skills. I invite you to apply to be a mentor for the next MentorNet program. 

As a Mentor you can help another business owner reach their goals and being a sounding board.

Learn more about the process by attending a special MENTORS INFORMATION SESSION on 28 July at 10.30am AEST. More details are available at our website www.abn.org.au/events.

The Australian Businesswomen’s Network seeks experienced mentors to take part in the next MentorNet program which starts on 23 September. You should have at least five years experience full time in your own business. 

Applications forms are available under the Apply Now tab on this site or call us for more details. 1300 720 120. Not sure why you should mentor? Here are some of the benefits past mentors have expressed: 

Benefits gained from being a MENTOR:

• Opportunities to test new ideas, 
• Renewed enthusiasm for your own business,
• Challenging discussions with people who have fresh perspectives,
• Satisfaction from contributing to the Mentoree’s development,
• Opportunities to reflect upon and articulate your experience, and
• Improved ability to share experience and knowledge.

Apply today to be a mentor. To qualify you need a min. of five years full time experience in your own business.