MentorNet Gets Full Marks from Women in Business

MENTORNET GETS FULL MARKS FROM WOMEN IN BUSINESS

 

The Australian Businesswomen’s Network (ABN) is helping small business to grow at a rapid rate, with 100% of MentorNet participants reporting an increase in business skills, more direction in their business and expanded networks. In addition, 50% of current participants have already recorded business growth and increased turnover as a direct result of their participation in the program*.

 

MentorNet (ABN’s innovative online mentoring program) assists women to grow their businesses and connects them with the skills and experience of successful businesspeople. The MentorNet program is conducted entirely online using social networking and Web 2.0 media and is the first program of its kind to use this unique training and education model.

 

Using a combination of online classrooms, blogs, podcasts, a web-community and virtual meetings, MentorNet gives women nationally access to mentoring with flexibility for busy schedules. Over a six-month period, participants are guided (by their mentor and pod of fellow mentorees) through building a business plan and developing skills that are tailored to the requirements of their own businesses.

 

The MentorNet program was successfully launched in January 2007 with the assistance of a Federal Government grant under the Australian Government’s Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program.

 

“Mentoring is the key to business success and the results of MentorNet are clearly showing this” says Suzi Dafnis, ABN’s National General Manager. “The newly-acquired business skills women are achieving combined with the mentoring is having a positive impact on their business. The structure of MentorNet has allowed for increased accountability and provided practical business tools, which is reflected in the changes in their businesses. And with only an hour per week of dedicated time, the program fits in comfortably with their busy lives.”

 

Jade Harley of Qi Media – Events and Marketing is one businesswoman who has benefited from the program “The MentorNet Program has been an invaluable tool for both my business and my personal growth.” She says “With the help of my Mentor and my pod members, I have found a new level of passion for my business and developed clear goals and systems. MentorNet has given me the direction and tools required to establish growth and success. The on-going support and advice is invaluable and the process is fun and rewarding.”

 

ENDS

For more information or case studies please contact Belinda Worsley at Bay Street Mediaworks on 02 9212 4335 or belinda@baystmediaworks.com.au

 

*Survey conducted on all MentorNet participants, July 2007.

It’s challenging me to spend time time on really thinking about my vision

I’m excited by the program so far. I like the way it’s challenging me to spend time time on really thinking about my vision and goals and start breaking down the steps towards achieving them.

A few months later…

Through the MentorNet experience, I have learned the difference between simply being “self-employed” and actually owning/running a business. Through practical business skills, step-by-step business planning, a network of like-minded peers, and inspiring mentor sessions, Mentornet has provided me with the ammunition to kick my business up to the next level at which I am running it, rather than having the business running me!

Dana Strong, Strong Media

Member: Australian Businesswomen’s Network

It’s forcing me to spend timing working on my business, instead of in it

I’m so glad I’m doing this program. It’s forcing me to sit down, STOP and spend timing working on my business, instead of in it. The last month has been out-of-control hectic and it’s a relief to take some time out, see which direction I’m heading and put myself back on course.

Carissa Linden – Carissa Linden Interior Design

I’m having to look objectively at the business

I can’t believe I’ve been in the program for 2 months now. How time flies. I’m really so pleased to be involved in the program – primarily from the perspective that I’m having to look objectively at the business and acknowledge what I have achieved. I feel very positive and optimistic about business and what we are working towards. I’m writing down goals – which I have never done before. I feel that I am also more focussed on what I’m trying to do.

I’ve been so pleased to be involved with the mentor program. I have found that I’m thinking more critically about the business and assessing everything from a more objective perspective. I’m also gaining a better appreciation of the work I have done and am doing – it’s a good pat on the back. The biggest gain has been in my confidence as a business woman – I feel I can say that I am a business woman and mean it!

Then.. a few months later:

Being involved in the mentor program has been a journey of self and business discovery. I’ve learnt a lot about myself, my approach to business and equally importantly gained additional business skills and confidence. Working with the other participants has been a fabulous experience – gaining inspiration, insights, ideas and further understanding about business.

Kerrie Ann Shepherd - Kassan Events

My attitude changed throughout the course

Looking back over my past success stories I can see how my mood, attitude and energy has changed throughout the course. I was having a very tough time 6 weeks ago, and everything was really weighing me down. Since then I have had a lot of successes with recruitment and client feedback. My brand new trainer is a gun! She is incredibly enthusiastic, so keen to absorb as much knowledge as she can, and incredibly professional.

Jodie Arnot - Healthy Balance Fitness