From Mentor to Protégé and back…
How often does one see or hear of a brilliant and creative business idea and say “why didn’t I think of that?” Much too often for most and yet for many- it is a trigger that begins a journey as an entrepreneur.
As a founder of a small start-up, I have often required a helping hand from someone who has ‘been there, done that’. And being a start-up there was always a bit of baggage – minimal cash on hand! What I needed was a mentor – a volunteer mentor.
Mentors are the unsung heroes of many a fledgling business as they provide guidance, advice, networks, and in many instance the most important need that a lone entrepreneur requires to make it through another day- a sounding board. (the back and forth conversations over how to get your product to market – at no cost yet with Frank your pet dog- just doesn’t cut it, …… after a few weeks).
To be frank (intended), each day that goes by without any bit of progress in the lonesome world of many a start-up entrepreneur, often creates a circle of doubt and leaves the drive, creativity and positive thought process to the dogs. (enough!)
The role of a mentor is to offer expertise in the development and growth of a business by helping prioritize plans, strategies, and if needed- hard hitting realities of the situation at hand. All should be captured and relished by the ‘protégé’.
We are in the midst of launching a new version of the typical mentor-protégé relationship at the OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre in Ottawa. With the soon to be launch of a new web site offering clients ease of use and more interactivity in their small business research, the iProfit model of mentoring and advisory services will integrate Web 2.0 into an effective, time is of the essence, portal privy only to mentor, protégé and the OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre business advisor.
Crucial to the success of a small business is the ability to draw on expertise today and not tomorrow. iProfit provides the mentoring parties to immediately connect and respond to time sensitive issues which arise in the development and growth of any business. If required and convenient, online can take the place of face to face; iProfit is also a model of e-mentoring built around the needs and concerns of the business.
But a blended approach to this mentoring service is what we believe will work best. You cannot replace the nuances gained by sitting down and sharing experiences –face to face.
September will see the launch of iProfit. Back to you then to share first experiences…..
Michael Burnatowski
