How do you choose the Mentorees and Mentors?

Mentorees are men and women in small business. While the program is recommended for those with at least 6 months business experience, the program is open to anyone who currently has a full-time or part-time business. Mentors are invited to take part in mentoring. Applications are carefully considered based on the mentors’ experience in business. Mentors may be men or women who have owned and operated their business for a minimum of five (5) years in Australia. Mentors can be located nationally, even globally.

How do I get matched to my Mentor?

Mentorees are matched to Mentors who have expertise that matches the Mentoree's course objectives and who are in a non-conflicting industry to that of the Mentoree. Once you decide how many mentoring sessions you’d like to start with, you’ll be asked to complete a short questionnaire that outlines your short and long-term objectives for mentoring. You’ll then be matched with the most suitable mentor.

Is there an age limit to participate in mentoring?

No, regardless of what age you are, if you meet the eligibility, you can participate in mentoring.

How do I interact with my Mentor if I can't see them?

Mentoring can be conducted face-to-face or using new media technology. The choice about how you meet is yours and your mentor’s and depends on availability and location. Our goal is to match you, no matter where you are located, with the most suitable mentor who can help you achieve your business objectives.

What is the duration of the mentoring?

One-on-one mentoring is available in 4, 8 or 12 sessions at a time and on dates convenient to you and your mentor. If you choose any of the mentoring packages (4, 8 or 12), you can always add on mentoring sessions if you wish.

What is the cost of this program?

Mentoring packages are available in bundles of 4, 8 or 12 one-hour sessions. The prices are shown above. You can also take advantage of the Special package you see above, which includes a number of valuable bonuses including an online diagnostic, a 45-minute Diagnostic Review, a detailed report that shows you how your business fares across 8 key business metrics, and a 30-day pass to the HerBusiness’ Online Learning Centre — a storehouse of over 100 hours and thousands of dollars of online business training that you can access for a whole month at no charge. Remember, our mentoring services are backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. So, if you let us know that the program is not for you you get a 100% No Questions Asked refund - making it a totally risk-free offer for you.

What happens when I book in for mentoring sessions?

Once you have booked your mentoring sessions (choosing from 4, 8 or 12 sessions — or take advantage of our special offer) you will receive a call from our office to talk about your mentoring. You will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire that helps us match you with the best mentor for your business. (While you can nominate a mentor, we find it best to first determine what your goals are so that we can help match you with the mentor we know will help you reach your goals.)

What role should a mentor play?

A mentor is someone who’s been places that you’re planning on going in business — someone who has experience in the areas that to you are uncharted. It’s their wisdom and ‘experience’ that you will be calling on. In some cases, Mentors have networks and contacts that can help you in certain areas - but even if they don’t, they will know where to go or how to approach finding the right expert. Mentors are not employees. Generally, they are very busy individuals and will help guide and support you - but they are not there to ‘do’. That is your job. Think of your Mentor as someone who is wise and ‘muse’-like. A Mentor is someone you can trust with the issues facing you and the difficulties you might find hard to speak with someone else about. They have had experience building a business and so they know what it’s like. A Mentor is a wise set of ears and a wise sounding board.

How do I know the Mentor will suit me?

Mentors apply and are selected through a criterion-based application. Mentors will be in business or will have been in a successful business for a minimum of 5 years. Each Mentor is chosen based on his/her expertise and matched against the Mentorees' objectives outlined in their Application Form. Mentors enter into a signed confidentiality agreement to address privacy, conflict and business sensitive issues.

How many mentoring sessions do I need?

It’s totally up to you. We offer a minimum of 4 sessions (a number we have found will help you deal with specific areas of business and see you make some great gains). We recommend monthly sessions with a minimum of 4 sessions. After this time, and depending on your goals, you may wish to add more sessions. Each mentoring session is one hour in length and is conducted via Skype or telephone.

What is the difference between Mentors and Coaches, and how do I know which one is best for me?

Mentors are very different to Coaches. The main difference is that mentors have ‘walked in your shoes’. All our mentors have started, managed and grown their own business and understand the small-business point of view. Traditionally, coaches are good at holding you to your goals. They don’t necessarily come from their own experience though, as a mentor does.