Applications are now being taken for the 2010 Mentoring Program. Please read and understand the Mentoring Overview below before applying for this program. You must be a member of NAWBO-OC to apply to be a mentee. Those applying to be Mentors (who have not been mentors in the past) should contact Dee Elliott for specifics.
Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to have a successful women business owner give you her time and expertise for 8 months. There is limited space so please sign up quickly to be considered. If you have questions, please contact the founder/director of the program, Dee Elliott at 714-813-7190.
It astonishes me at how the mentorship team made an ideal match between my mentor and me from a survey taken before the program began. I have owned and operated an advertising agency for 7 years but have never been formally trained in accounting and finances. This, of course, is a requirement for a successful business. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my mentor has a strong financial background as a founder and CFO! She stretched me to become comfortable in performing the unpleasant parts of my business. It hurt but I am on track to new best practices. My mentor, also a professional coach, is extremely skilled in helping me keep a positive attitude through this economic downturn. She encourages me to be strategic in laying daily solid foundations for the future. Her wisdom, professionalism, and consistent nurturing aid me in staying optimistic and constructive. My mentor means the world to me and I am grateful for the generous amount of time she gives of herself. 
My mentoring experience has been absolutely more than I ever expected! I was perfectly paired with someone who understands my business and my approach as a business woman. I am growing on a deep level, which is affecting not only my performance at work, but also at home. All of this has benefited my relationships both professionally and personally, which has resulted in a better quality of life. Having this support and guidance is a reminder that to be the best I can be, there always is so much more to learn; and sometimes these lessons are best integrated with the help of others, rather than trying to pull through on my own. Thank you!
Dec 1: Applications open on website.
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Mentoring Program |
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1st Photo: 2009 Mentoring Committee, Center-Dee Elliott, Founder/Director and clockwise Pam Adams, Ali Green, Kimberly Gerber and Cathy Daugherty. |
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Mentoring Overview
GOALS OF THE NAWBO MENTORING PROGRAM:
To use available resources within the NAWBO organization
to help other NAWBO members achieve their personal and professional
goals more effectively through mentoring.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MENTORS:
1) You must be a NAWBO member, established business owner,
or corporate sponsor.
2) You must be a good listener, be proactive and
be a proven leader.
3) You must have a proven track record of success
4)
You must be able to keep the program and your mentor/mentee relationship
confidential, and commit to taking no money for your services from
your mentee.
5) You must be able to commit to the time requirements
(2-3 hours/month plus the 4 hour training seminar). You must fill out
the program
application on line. (New mentors will be interviewed to be certain
they are right for the position)
REQUIREMENTS FOR MENTEES:
1) You must be an active NAWBO member and have been so for 2 months.
2) You must complete the application form completely.
3)
You must be able to commit to the time requirements that are
put forth by the program, including the kick off training, mid year
and year end meetings.
4) You must pay a non-refundable fee of $300.00 prior to the start of the program.
5) You must sign a letter of commitment, committing
you to the full 8 months and a liability letter to NAWBO-OC
Definition of a Mentor: A wise, loyal advisor. A teacher or coach, a communicator, a guide who helps you plan your journey of discovery.
Mentoring is the latest buzzword of the new millennium. We've heard it in business and in our personal lives. Businesses currently invest thousands of dollars in mentoring programs. Our program provides similar benefits to NAWBO members. Research has found that the quickest way to achieve your goals is by having a single dedicated person help you along the way. The mentoring program will allow you to partner with someone who wishes guidance to identify her goals and help her attain her personal and professional objectives. You and your mentee do not necessarily have to be in the same profession. Mentors only need to possess skills in the areas where you want to grow and more importantly have similar values to her mentee. The Mentoring Program is not designed to help you make new business contacts, although this may be a by-product of the program. Mentoring is about someone’s personal and professional development. As a mentor, you will grow and share your knowledge and expertise with someone who wants to learn. As a mentee you will gain valuable experience from someone who has been on this path before you.
When you apply to the program you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire which will help us to match you. Please be honest in your answers since this is the only way the program will work. The information that you give us here will be kept confidential and will be shared with no one but the Mentoring Committee. Below we have given you an overview of the role of a Mentor and becoming an effective Mentee so that you can better understand the program. continued below...
2010 Program Timeline/Schedule of Events
The items
marked in red are mandatory that each mentee/mentor must attend or complete.
See below for time commitments
for this program.
-
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Jan 8: Email reminder to membership regarding program, if space is still available
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Feb 1: Application process closed for Mentees
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Feb 11: Committee to meet to match Mentors/Mentees.
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Feb 17: Mentees contacted if they have been chosen.
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Mar 12: Orientation/luncheon 9–11:30am: Training session. 12–1pm: Lunch at Summit House in Fullerton.
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May 13: Mentors-only meeting. What's working, what's not? Best practices for Mentors. Networking. 5:30pm
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S.O.M.E. Meetings: Sessions Organized for Mentoring Education. Prior to NAWBO regular meetings - open to Mentees and Mentors. Dates: APRIL 6, JUNE 1, SEPT 14 all at 4:30pm prior to NAWBO meeting.
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June 17: Mid-Year Program workshop – Education session and review of program - dinner and networking. Mandatory for Mentees. Optional for Mentors
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Nov 11: All Mentors/Mentees wrap up meeting with survey results. Last formal meeting for this group. Best practices and Presentation to Mentors. Dinner and networking. Mandatory for Mentees. Optional for Mentors.
TIME COMMITMENTS: EACH MENTOR/MENTEE GROUP must commit to meet 2-3 HOURS EACH MONTH AND MUST ATTEND THE TRAINING SESSION on March 12. MENTEES MUST ATTEND THE MID-YEAR AND YEAR END MEETINGS AS WELL. For questions please contact Dee Elliott, Mentoring Founder/Director at 714-813-7190.
Note: Copyright of this Mentoring program is by Dee Elliott. Program or any parts thereof are not to be copied or used by anyone without her written permission.
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When I first entered the mentoring program, I was open to whatever the process might bring me. When I realized who my mentor was and how wonderful she was, I was thrilled! She has helped me organize and structure my business in a creative way which fits my lifestyle. I have taken steps, such as expanding my business pursuits and hiring interns, which I was afraid to before. Thank you, NAWBO, for this fabulous, supportive program!
Things are ever-changing, in business and in life - and, my mentor has guided me through several transitions and decisions during our time of working together. I set out goals and objectives when we started working together, and as we would accomplish one, so many more opportunities would present themselves. My Mentor has helped me prioritize my goals, learn to ask for, and seek out help and introduced me to other professionals that can help enhance my skills. She encourages me to fully appreciate and take pride in the service and benefit that my company brings to our community. She has been beyond supportive and much more than a mentor - she is a friend, a business leader and someone to admire for her service to our community. I am honored to be part of the Mentoring program. I extend much gratitude to my mentor and to those who developed the program.-
Communicator
Mentees respond best to mentors who listen well, ask open-ended questions, and establish an environment for open interaction. A successful partnership is characterized by a two-way exchange of information, with mentors sharing examples based on their successes and failures and providing honest and candid feedback. -
Guide
The best mentors become guides who help mentees plan their own journey of discovery. Because most mentors are natural problem-solvers, they must curb their tendency to tell rather than coach. Mentors can point to opportunities and pitfalls but they should not make the mentees decisions. Mentees learn most from mentors who present a variety of options, allowing the mentees to work through the analysis and make the final decision. -
Ally
An honest ally is essential in the mentee/mentor partnership. As an ally, the mentor should be able to appraise behaviors and demonstrate how others may perceive them. Because the mentoring partnership is built on trust, confidence, and commitment, mentees can receive honest feedback about their strengths and weaknesses – feedback that few people have the opportunity to receive. The mentor also serves as a sounding board, providing a risk-free environment for those who want to vent frustrations, share difficulties, and seek other perspectives. -
Catalyst
A catalyst is the outside force that inspires action. Mentors can help their mentees look at unanticipated possibilities and not just concentrate on what they expect to happen.
Becoming an effective
Mentee:
The power of mentoring has been recognized throughout
the ages. Your membership in NAWBO allows you to take advantage
of this unique and rewarding mentoring experience.
Through our research, we have observed the behaviors that lead to the most effective and productive partnerships. What we have learned is that the best partnerships occur when mentees:
-
Respect the commitment being made by their partner.
This respect manifests itself by being prepared and on time for meetings, following through on action items, and acknowledging the mentor’s dedication and support. -
Participate fully in the program.
Commitment to the program and your peers is essential if you are to reap the benefits of your mentoring experience. For example, attending monthly meetings and building networking and support relationships with your peers show your commitment. -
Assume responsibility for the partnership.
The responsibility for managing the mentoring partnership clearly belongs to the mentee. The best mentoring experiences occur when mentees take ownership for their growth, invest in the partnership, and create a vision for their journey of discovery. Where mentees lead, mentors will follow; mentees should select the destination and make the journey memorable. -
Be open to new ideas.
The purpose of the mentoring experience is to open mentees to new possibilities and perspectives. The best mentees are willing to consider new ideas and recognize that growth can sometimes be uncomfortable; they come to the program wanting to learn and not expecting to be taught. -
Make honest communication a priority.
Communication is key to the success of the partnership. Mentees have responsibility for accepting and encouraging honest feedback from their mentors and for providing the same kind of feedback to their partners. Mentors, like mentees, want to know how they’re doing.
"LOOK AT YOURSELF THROUGH SOMEONE ELSE’S EYES"
NAWBO OC does not guarantee a mentee or mentor spot for everyone who applies and reserves the right to match those best suited for the program. Mentor and mentee applications can be obtained by contacting the NAWBO-OC office.
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My mentor led me to embrace a dream, while setting aside another for later. My goals were all over the place. A large dose of encouragement tempered with a taste of reality, helped me to focus my professional plans. My first assignment was to read E-Myth Revisited. The book, and my mentor, helped create a foundation for the journey ahead. When I hit a "wall" in the third month of mentoring, we knew serious reevaluation was necessary. My mentor carefully guided me toward making decisions that best suited my current situation. With renewed clarity and focus, I'm progressing in creating the right business for me. My new business will let me thrive professionally and personally
The mentoring program was truly an amazing and awarding experience. I was well matched with a very considerate, generous, and successful mentor who understood my business and the challenges that I face. Through my relationship with my mentor, I have learned skills to make me a better manager, leader, and communicator. It is great to get a different perspective on issues that come up in business. I have also enjoyed building relationships with the other mentors and mentees in the program as they each offer a unique and insightful outlook to life.
Creating Successful Mentoring Programs
by Vicki Torres of NAWBO-LA
For chapters considering a mentoring program, the Orange County chapter
could serve as a model...
Dee Putman-Elliott, of Executive Moving Systems, chaired the committee
that created the eight-month-long program in Orange County. It drew
interest from existing members and from four women business owners
who joined the chapter specifically because of the program, she said.
Keys to a successful program, Putman-Elliott said, are:
• Thorough preparation and research on mentoring.
• Training and testing of both mentors and mentees.
• Establishment of a formal program with a beginning and an end.
• A committee to oversee the endeavor, make any needed adjustments,
and evaluate results.
Putman-Elliott had previously created mentoring programs for other
organizations and had gathered extensive research, plus information
from professional mentoring services. She knew that mentoring partners
must be paired according to shared values to ensure the greatest
success of the match, and the OC program included professional values
tests. "Values are more important than being in the same industry," she
said.
A March training session provided 14 participants (7 mentoring
partnerships), with the basics about their roles. The mentees were
told not to expect a "fix" for an ailing company. The mentors
were told not to "run" their mentees' companies. The emphasis
was on guidance, assistance and communication. All participants signed
a waiver of liability for the chapter.
The participants met for 2 to 3 hours in person monthly, with phone
calls or emails in between. The program officially ended with another
group meeting and final evaluation.
Putman-Elliott stressed that a formal structure and operations, not
just a casual list of volunteer mentors, is crucial to providing
real value. "Overall, it was highly successful," Putman-Elliott
said of the effort. "A couple of partners developed such a close
relationship that they will continue as friends and other mentees
decided to hire their mentors afterward as coaches."
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