Over the past two decades becoming a volunteer business mentor, so that you can put something back into the local economy and community has become something that many successful entrepreneurs and business people have embraced. Getting on for 2,000 men and women across the country do just that. These people get a real buzz from helping people move forwards with their businesses. Often, all small business owners need is a fresh perspective from someone independent of the company. That’s one of the unique benefits of the Business Mentors New Zealand programme – experienced business people sharing what they’ve learned with up and coming companies, freely on a voluntary basis. There is no cost other than a modest registration fee to cover administrative set up.
Our team of highly knowledgeable volunteer mentors, all of whom are willing to share their skills, expertise and experience with small and medium sized business owners, are a unique resource. Most mentors are either not available on a commerical basis or would be far too expensive to retain for an SME. It’s another of the unique aspects of the Business Mentors programme – access to unrivalled expertise not available anywhere else in New Zealand and more than 70,000 companies have used the service to date. Even though many volunteer mentors have a busy commerical life they enjoy a special satisfaction in getting stuck into my volunteer mentoring role.
One thing that distinguishes the client companies is that they are extremely motivated and are excited about taking their businesses to the next stage. They are very open to new ideas on how to maximise their business’s potential which makes for a great working relationship. Mentors may spend between and hour and four hours a month with each client. Each mentor is different in how much time they spend with their clients but every one of them will use their own extensive experience in marketing, finance and business strategy to provide a valuable outside perspective, offer advice on specific problems and help each company pinpoint potential areas for growth.
The long, in depth experience common to Business Mentors New Zealand mentors means they are able to help business owners avoid some common pitfalls and mistakes. One thing a lot of clients have issues with is business planning. Often, a business owner will have spent so many hours working in the business, focusing on the day-to-day tasks, that they won’t have taken the time to step back and think about where they’re going. Having someone come in from outside the company enables them to see their business from a different point of view. They can take a moment to consider what they want to achieve and how they’re going to get there. It’s also important that the plan is written down on paper and updated regularly. Many business owners make the mistake of keeping any business strategy they might have in their head. Having it in a solid form keeps people focused. Working for a wide range of business sectors in New Zealand and abroad over the past two decades Business Mentors New Zealand has learned that planning ahead is something many businesses tend to overlook. They put off even attempting it because they just don’t know where to start. However, it’s important to have something in place, even if it’s the most basic option of a three or four page business plan.
Despite juggling a number of work commitments along with the mentoring, volunteer mentors get great enjoyment out of helping their clients succeed and mentoring is recommended to anyone who is knowledgeable in business, has empathy for others and a willingness to help others do well. The Business Mentors service is a great resource for smaller enterprises and our mentors are proud to be involved and find it a hugely constructive learning experience, for both themselves and their clients which transfers into, enhances and informs my commercial activities. If any of your clients would like to apply for a business mentor or if you are interested in becoming a mentor for Business Mentors New Zealand, visit www.businessmentors.org.nz – where you can apply online to be part of the programme. The site provides information on the programme, case studies and has an exclusive support area for mentors.
Ray Schofield
CEO Business Mentors New Zealand
Level 7, Tower Centre
45 Queen Street, Auckland 1010
Phone: 09 375 8500