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North Area Mentoring Tips Newsletter

December 2022

Co-Mentoring Protocols with VITs

By Hank Cardarelli

Hank received B.A. in Economics and MBA from St. John's University in New York, NY.

Hank's industry experience is so varied that he is our go-to guy for any client.

Accounting & Tax Services
Manufacturing
Professional Services
Retail
Transportation
Wholesale

Recently, we are receiving so many requests for trucking that Hank agreed to be our de facto expert in that industry.

When I am asked to co-mentor with a Volunteer-In-Training (VIT), I request a virtual pre-meeting to learn about their background, their experience, and their training so far with SCORE.

Next, I review the protocol I would like them to follow in the co-mentoring session.

As the lead mentor, I will ask the client about their experience, how they arrived at their business idea, and the specific help they are looking for. Only after that, I will invite the co-mentor if they had any questions.

During the session, where we have a question-and-answer dialogue with the client, I will ask the VIT for their questions or comments for the client.

At the end of the session, I will summarize the issues and recommended actions and ask the VIT for final thoughts on the list of actions.

When I send the follow-up email with a list of actions, I copy the VIT.

If I feel the VIT is ready, I ask if they would like to take the lead at the next meeting.

It is important to agree on the roles between the lead mentor and VIT co-mentor because without this, there is a tendency to confuse the client with competing and sometimes redundant questions and dialogue, and without a focus on the desired outcomes for the session.

It may not always be possible to schedule the pre-meeting, but a phone call can help to establish an understanding and agreement on roles.

I hope you do not take my comments as controlling or bureaucratic but rather as necessary for an organization to be effective.

Are you familiar with

the US Chamber of Commerce?

They offer a series of free virtual workshops/presentations that cover critical issues for the small business owner. Here is an example of a recent program.

Join them virtually this Thursday, December 15th at 12:00 p.m. ET for

CO— Start. Run. Grow: Cer tifying Your Business.

In this hourlong program designed specifically for small business owners, you will hear entrepreneurs and experts alike share their perspectives on the importance and utility of becoming a certified business, and their strategies for obtaining a business certification.

You can become more acquainted with their programs here. Recommend these programs to your clients that need the basic knowledge to operate their businesses.

Evening Caucus Group...

We are considering establishing an evening caucus group to accommodate the volunteers that find normal business hours challenging to set aside for a score group conversation. Interested? let me know/

Happy mentoring,

David