What is a Business Mentor?

Dynamic Business Mentoring

International Business Mentors - About Us

David Cartney and Chris Cartney established International Business Mentors in October 2001, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Since then we have seen numerous businesses promoting services such as Business Mentoring, Executive Mentoring, Business Coaching, Executive Coaching, Professional Mentoring, Career Mentoring, Senior Executive Mentoring, Corporate Mentoring, Business Owners Mentoring, Professional Transition Mentoring, CEO Mentoring, Business Advisors, Business Gurus, Business Development, Business Shrinks, Business Success, and many more strange and diverse names.

All profess, in varying way to assist key business people improve and succeed, but the methods they use, the business philosophies they adopt and the level of skills they possess, vary enormously.

At International Business Mentors we successfully mentor CEOs, Directors, Owners of Business, and Senior Executives with a view to improve performance of the individuals and the business.

Business Mentoring goes further than traditional coaching. Whereas coaching is goal-oriented and has a motivational bias, Business Mentoring is far more reaching, and has much greater depth in supporting and developing the individual within their business environment. A properly devised Business Mentoring program is a proven approach to improving overall business performance.

One aspect of our methodologies encompasses a balanced scorecard approach. Over time, all aspects of the business are examined and discussed. Issues such as Finances, Marketing, People, Customers, Operations, KPIs and Strategic Planning would be addressed.

At International Business Mentors our services are pitched at CEOs, Directors, Business Owners, Family Businesses and Senior Executives.

In most cases our mentoring sessions are on a one to one, confidential basis. On occasions however, it may be appropriate to include others, at the request of the Mentee. In some cases, key staff or other owners or directors may be invited to attend sessions when the content involves their area of expertise.

In Family Businesses, other family members may need to be involved in some of the sessions depending on the circumstances and issues.

Flexibility is always a key ingredient for successful mentoring. The Business Mentor will be selected for their alignment with the Mentee, the business and the key issues and challenges that are faced at the time, and in the future.

You may need or want a Business Mentors for a variety of good reasons:

• You are facing immediate issues and need a fresh view
• The business strategy or performance needs to rise to a new level
• You want to maintain your edge
• You need to be challenged
• You need to develop and transform
• You need a sounding board for ideas
• You need assistance with transition
• You need guidance regarding the future direction of the business
• You would value personal support

To qualify as one of our Business Mentors candidates must have successfully:

• Run their own businesses or
• Have been CEOs or Directors
• Where they have gained broad business experience.
  

In most cases, they probably have:

• Formal qualifications,
• And they all have critical people skills.

Our mentors are driven by their need:

• To see those they are assisting succeed.
• They have a genuine desire to share their
  - Skills,
  - Experiences,
  - Mistakes and successes
  
  That they have made, in order to help those they mentor.

Our Business Mentors are exceptional people.

Matching you with a Business Mentors

When we match a Business Mentor with a Mentee, it is vital to establish all the necessary criteria in order to obtain the right ‘fit’. At International Business Mentors we take our own measures to ensure we get it right.

This will give the Mentee confidence in his/her mentor, who will possess the skills and experiences they need but also feel comfortable personally which ensures useful and relevant exchange of information.

The Business Mentoring relationship works on many levels. It can be simple and complex, straightforward and subtle – working on specific issues, creating insights, and can also be motivating and uplifting.

One aspect of Business Mentoring is that a carefully matched mentor will develop the Mentee, through sharing his or her own skills and experiences.

We expect that learning and developing is a life long occupation, with the mentor facilitating that process.

For the Business Mentoring relationship to succeed both parties need to be committed and have an attitude of willingness.

The Business Mentoring relationship is built on trust, respect, positive attitude and a willingness to improve.

Each Business Mentoring relationship is different as we area dealing with unique individuals in varying businesses. Unlike some coaching programmes that follow specific and rigid steps that are delivered by people trained but not necessarily experienced, the programme and methodologies adopted by International Business Mentors are flexible and delivered by experience professionals.

The reasons people need a Business Mentors are many, and it is vitally important the key issues are addressed first. In time all aspects of the business will be examined, but there will always be the need for specific expertise.

Business Mentoring can, in some instances, be a cost effective alternative to an independent non-executive directorship.

Another area that needs clarification is the difference between a consultant, a counsellor, and a Business Mentor.

Consultant

A consultant’s role is “hands on” within the organisation, supplementing in-house expertise. It is usually carried out on a one off basis, and is more appropriate for larger companies.

Counsellor

A counsellor tends to focus on the personal aspects of behaviours and emotions within the work and social environment and can help with motivational dysfunction and improve behaviour.

Business Mentor

Summary:

Business Mentoring with International Business Mentors

An International Business Mentor listens to you, and helps you to think outside the square, considers the business and your self in a holistic fashion, which brings you greater insight. The Business Mentor helps you to solve business problems, which improves business performance, and the Business Mentor facilitates your personal development using their skills and experience.