Denise Hardingham and Leona Watson have participated in the Australian Businesswomen’s Network MentorNet program.
For more information on MentorNet, please click here.
The Mentoree: Denise Hardingham, Renaissance Stained Glass
Why did you become a mentoree?
I became a mentoree after having observed others on the programme for some time and seeing the confidence and focus they, and in turn their businesses, were gaining. Our own business was experiencing something of a plateau and I needed to be re-inspired to re-focus our plans.
What were you hoping to get from the experience?
I expected to learn more about strategic planning for small business but in retrospect I think perhaps I was simply looking for focus.
What is the biggest challenge of being a mentoree?
Implementing all the amazing things I’m learning and controlling the enormous amount of energy I’m gaining. Every week I learn so much and my mind goes into overdrive with new ideas.
What is the most powerful thing you’ve learned?
How to identify target markets and perhaps rather embarrassingly that this is critical. I thought that the most critical module for me would be the financial planning. As that module came and went and no great revelations emerged I was getting a little concerned about whether we would ever transcend the stage we were at. Then it all became clear: our marketing strategy was just so wrong. At that point I wondered if Stella had seen something that I had not as I had been placed with marketing guru Leona Watson. Leona pushed me hard to ask the hard questions and it has profoundly changed our vision.
What would you say to anyone considering being a mentoree in the MentorNet program?
Just go for it. You have nothing to loose. There is no competition for what you will gain from MentorNet. It is ingeniously delivered making excellent use of all available technology. Woman in business are phenomenally busy. Many of us in the current programme have young children and this delivery method not only facilitates more convenient professional development but outright enables it. I simply could not have engaged in a traditional seminar or even coaching style of programme. Because MentorNet allows you to take from it what you need when you need it you’re always ready to be mentored. You do get out of it what you put in though and I’d recommend ensuring you make time to put in.
How has MentorNet helped you focus your marketing strategy?
It was almost mid programme and whilst I was learning a great deal and “getting things in order” I hadn’t uncovered any hidden revelations of the business world that I thought would really make the sort of monumental impact I was after to take my business forward. Then the marketing module descended and with irradiating clarity I knew that this was my salvation.
So many unanswered questions. Frustration. I should know this. I do know this. Why does she keep asking me that? Is she being perverse? No, I get why she’s asking me that. But I’ve answered it – no it’s not clear: the epiphany. The strategy is fragmented and the assumptions are all wrong. Why? I don’t have one business. I have two.
I got really stuck at marketing – in a very good way. Once I realised I had more questions than answers I got stuck in to the reading list that emerged in the “chat box” during one of our webinars. I was no longer trying to mangle together two marketing objectives and call it one strategy. Dingham Design had been born and Renaissance Stained Glass was liberated to recover from an unimaginably protracted labour. We are now in the process of disentangling our two entities, which will take time, but just knowing that’s the direction we need to take in order to achieve two thriving businesses rather than one slightly neurotic one strangling itself in the corner has reinvigorated us in an unimaginably critical way.
The Mentor: Leona Watson, Cheeky Food Group – Team Cooking
Why did you become a mentor?
Firstly, out of curiosity and to see what it was all about. Also to be given the chance to hear about other people’s businesses. Second time around was to continue to help other businesses – and my own.
What were you hoping to get from the experience?
Both learn and give.
What is the biggest challenge of being a mentor?
Managing different people’s personalities over a phone call. Everyone is lovely, but different, and you need to be respectful of that – inc voice tone as it’s so critical on the phone.
What is the most powerful thing you’ve learned?
Aha moments – they can come from anywhere and normally by asking people questions – not telling them.
What would you say to anyone considering being a Mentor in the MentorNet program?
Try it!!!! It really helps you tighten up on areas of your own business that we can all be a bit a slack with.
How has MentorNet helped you focus your marketing strategy?
I’ve certainly realised again how much I need to focus on social media. But like so many people over the age of 35 I haven’t embraced it and so it’s a challenge – even with my marketing background.
Any additional comments
A truly great program that allows for everyone to learn, share and feel on a level playing field. Also fabulous for people who feel a bit isolated if they’re working for just themselves and/or only one or two others.
