Dominique Antarakis and Jon Ward met through the Australian Businesswomen’s MentorNet program. Here they each talk about the benefits of this mentoring relationship.
Dominique says, “I wanted someone to bounce ideas off who would give me some constructive criticism. Family and friends can be very encouraging but they don’t always tell you the truth.”
THE MENTOREE – DOMINIQUE ANTARAKIS
Why did you become a mentoree? Having been a successful freelancer for many years, I knew I could deliver a great service for my clients; like most of the people I met through the MentorNet program, I didn’t need help with my job. I needed help working out how to expand my business, how to think strategically; and I wanted someone to bounce ideas off who would give me some constructive criticism. Family and friends can be very encouraging but they don’t always tell you the truth. What were you hoping to get from the experience? Some structure; a deadline, encouragement, moral support, expert advice and direction on where to look for more information on various topics relating to doing business such as marketing, finance, technology etc. The best thing about the weekly sessions over a six-month period was that the program went on long enough to give you time to think things through and see tangible results; but it was not so drawn out that you could get complacent and let things slip. What was the biggest challenge? Keeping up with the work, but the fortnightly phone calls with my three pod colleagues and my mentor, Jon Ward, kept me on my toes. I felt I didn’t want to let everyone down by coming to the call with no news. So I made sure I had done something each fortnight, even if it was only buying the URL for my new company name; or getting business cards printed. Also, giving myself a launch date of 1 July which was a few weeks before the program finished, helped me get the most out of the final few sessions because I could start talking about things that were happening rather than dealing in hypotheticals. What is the most powerful thing you learned? Saying what you want to do out loud might be scary but it forces you to clarify your idea and iron out the wrinkles. If you have an idea for a business, or something you want to do, start telling people about it. They’ll ask you questions, and you’ll need to think about the answers. I guess that’s partly how the MentorNet program works, especially the Mentor/pod sessions where there is input from lots of different people who have your best interests at heart but who can be objective about your business. That can be hard when you’ve nurtured something from birth. All mothers think their child is the most beautiful creature on earth and I think business owners are a bit the same. What would you say to anyone considering taking part in the MentorNet program? Be prepared to be challenged to take a long, hard look at why you are in business and whether your expectations are realistic. Don’t waste other people’s time and try to make every session. Ask questions, no matter how dumb they might make you sound, chances are the other 30 people on the call are wondering the same thing. Dominique is a journalist and copywriter who works with business, agency and charity clients to help them communicate who they are and what they do with clarity, energy and passion. The Copy Collective taps into the strengths of its members: copywriters, editors and proofreaders who can write articles, craft press releases, develop content for your website, tailor words for an online ad campaign, put together an annual report or write a compelling telemarketing script that will help you make sales and more. We’d love to help you choose the right words to tell your story.
THE MENTOR – JON WARD
Why did you become a Mentor? To share my experience and know-how with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. What were you hoping to get from the experience? The opportunity to be of help to individuals on their journey to success. What is the most powerful thing you’ve learned? I was reminded of the courage and creativity that is to be found in so many people who choose the entrepreneurial path. What would you say to anyone considering being a Mentor in the MentorNet program? It’s hugely rewarding to contribute to the growth of other entrepreneurs, and see the immediate impact of that contribution. Any additional comments MentorNet is a tremendous program that deserves wide exposure beyond Australia. Jon Ward’s business, www.clickforclients.com, is an online education service that teaches entrepreneurs how to use the Internet to grow their business.
