Well, it seems that we're once again into another busy season! ... And it wouldn't surprise me if you're also finding yourself very busy - particularly if you're involved in running a business of your own!
But let me ask: "Are you finding some time to Mentor someone else?"
While involvement in a formal Mentorship relationship has a lot of merit - other forms of Mentorship can also provide value and shouldn't be totally discounted.
Yes, life gets busy. We're all busy. That's a given! And when I look at the "business related" activities on my personal calendar, it looks like it's already quite full.
Recent highlights include: Instructing a number of entrepreneurship classes, Business Coaching of clients, and working with some to complete business plans.
Looking ahead: I've committed to volunteering this month, allocating a number of days to assist at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).
And on "Mentorship" - I see elements of informal Mentorship that takes place as a result of these connections. Informal Mentorship doesn't have to take a lot of time. It merely requires a genuine interest in helping someone else progress in their development! But the truth is, this is something I also enjoy. And while that helps make it easier to say, "Yes" to their requests, working with these business students never fails to provide insights into emerging opportunities and potential creative solutions. But the newest volunteer role I've accepted, is in having been asked to chair the “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Advisory Committee” at NAIT's J.R. Shaw School of Business. It's another way of giving back to those who are feeding the entrepreneurial spirit, and another great opportunity to work with key stakeholders from education, industry, government, and the community.
NOW to connect Mentorship with NAIT - one of the things that I was very pleased to see was the recent announcement of the new Mentorship Program at NAIT's "Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship". This is something that I'd heard they wanted to incorporate and we've followed with them in several discussions expressing interest in how things were progressing. Now ... it's available for NAIT students to access!
As a formalized, annual Mentorship Program, the benefits for participants are stated as:
- Increase your self-confidence
- Take control of your path to entrepreneurship
- Learn how to accept feedback in important areas, such as communications, technical abilities, change management, and leadership
- Enhance your interpersonal relationship skills
- Grow your business contacts and networking opportunities
More details and access to the NAIT Mawji Centre Mentorship Program can be found at: http://www.nait.ca/103759.htm
We welcome your thoughts and insights related to important aspects and insights related to Mentorship!
And if you'd like to explore how Mentorship can assist you and your organization please contact us at your convenience. More information & details on our specific services and areas of expertise can be found on our Website: CLICK HERE
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