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Q. As a Mentor what are my obligations to be available?
A. Mentors are under no obligation to be always available.
When MRT call a mentor to help a client , the first question is “Are you available?” If the Mentor has other engagements scheduled MRT will simply call the next available Mentor. Once having accepted an assignment then there is an obligation to complete it or notify both the client and MRT of the situation.
Q. How long does a mentoring take?
A. The average mentoring is probably approx. two and one half hours. This would consist of a phone call to arrange a meeting and gather some information, perhaps a one hour meeting to review the problems and offer possible solutions, with a follow up meeting a week later to ascertain progress.
Depending upon the rapport established and the need the mentor may say to the client to call when needed, or will arrange follow up contact. Some mentors are still intermittently in touch with clients after five years.
Q How are mentors and clients matched?
A. Information is obtained from the client that determines industry, classification of perceived problem, geographic location and an assumption of personality. This information is then used to select a mentor with the appropriate skills and experience in the best geographic location.
Q What happens if a mismatch is made or client and mentor know each other?
A. Both client and mentor always are able to request a change for whatever reason. In the event of the participants being known to each other, each is asked if they would prefer to talk with a different person.
Q. What are the benefits of this program to the community
A. The MRT program creates a WIN, WIN, WIN situation in that small business, small business intenders and non profit community groups benefit from the guidance given and their businesses survive and grow and provide or maintain jobs in the community.
Mentors are enabled to contribute back to the community some of the benefit they have gained from it and find they have a meaningful pastime in their retirement.
The community gains because some businesses and community groups are saved from failure and others are helped to grow thus creating a cost saving to the community.
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