Business Mentoring
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Business Mentoring
Are you interested in business mentoring? Mentoring refers to individualized training in any specific field. This differs from educational training either in a school or through a certificate program a few ways, first that it is individual and not in a classroom setting where multiple individuals are being trained, it usually does not result in any sort of certificate or degree, and it is usually very specific within a company are a narrow subset of business.
If you are looking for a mentoring position you have quite a few options to choose from. There are some things to keep in mind as you come to your decision. First is the exact area where you will be mentored. This can be within a company - and this is generally the more desirable option, or it may be simply within a narrow field. Next consider the job prospects at the conclusion of the program. This can vary and it is important you are consulting a legitimate source. Checking the reputation of the individual or company in this case is vitally important since there is no degree offered for a mentoring program and no other credentials you receive at the end of the program.
Going over all of your options is important. Business.com provides links that you may find useful.
View the links to the left for business mentoring.
Using SCORE Counseling Services
SCORE offers free online and in-person help to start or grow a businessBy Daniel Kehrer, Founder & CEO BizBest Media Corp. SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives) is one of the best small business resources in America – and one of the most under appreciated. No matter what stage your business is in, SCORE can provide you with your very own business consultant (usually a retired business exec.) who will meet with you, face-to-face, to help you solve problems or answer questions on starting and growing your business. Or you can select a counselor online and correspond by email. Here are three keys to understanding what SCORE can do for your business:
- There are about 12,400 experienced SCORE counselors nationwide, and they offer nearly 600 distinct business skills at your disposal.
- SCORE also offers a hugely-popular email counseling program. "Ask SCORE" counselors are available online to answer questions and help you solve problems with Web-based convenience.
- Counseling and workshops are offered at 364 SCORE chapter offices nationwide.
Discover what SCORE has to offer and sign up for free in-person counseling
Business consultants often charge between $100 and as much as $500 per hour. But expert SCORE counseling from individuals who've "been there, done that," is free and confidential. Volunteers - many former Fortune 500 executives or successful entrepreneurs - join your team as mentors.
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Get a quick overview of all SCORE has to offer at the main Web site. Find a local chapter to sign up for mentoring. Just enter your Zip Code or city and state. You can also call SCORE for a location at (800) 634-0245.
Visit a local SCORE chapter website
Most local SCORE chapters also have their own websites where you can obtain detailed information about what's offered in your area, schedule an appointment and get directions to the office.
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Find your city, or something nearby, from the SCORE list of local chapter websites.
Get expert answers quickly and easily by email
The "Ask SCORE" service lets you submit your most pressing business questions via email 24/7 and receive an answer within 48 hours via email.
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Submit your question easily online. Search from among over 1,200 "virtual counselors" by expertise or by state. The SCORE site gives you a brief profile of each individual and their special business expertise.
Discover 60-second answers on key business questions
SCORE's 60-Second Guides on a variety of topics are worthwhile reading and can get you answers quickly.
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SCORE 60-Second Guides (also available in Spanish) cover business planning, finance, human resources, office management, marketing, customer service & sales, and technology.
View success stories of small businesses that have worked with SCORE
This is a very cool section of the SCORE site filled with fun-to-read profiles of small biz owners who've grown their businesses with help from SCORE.
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Find out how other business owners are succeeding with free and confidential business counseling from SCORE. Look for new stories monthly. The success story archive includes profiles of businesses in dozens of different industries.
Sign up for local business workshops and free e-newsletters
Some workshops require a small fee. They are geared for both startups and entrepreneurs already in business. Free business planning and business structure workbooks are also available at local chapters.
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Get full details on workshops and materials at your nearest chapter. Sign up for SCORE eNews and Expert Answers eNewsletter.
- Business counseling relationships can last just a few sessions or a number of years, based on your needs as an entrepreneur.
- Prepare for your counseling session by arriving with a well-thought-out idea, preliminary business plan and other information that will help you maximize your one-on-one consultation.
- SCORE volunteers sometimes counsel in teams, bringing a specific strength to the table. Counselors may be available to visit you at your place of business to learn about your venture and concerns.
- Workshop training covers a variety of topics, from writing a business plan to importing/exporting to e-commerce. Workshops also offer a chance to network withother local business owners.
workshops here or onsite License Facilitators, Tools
Proven mentoring software makes starting and running a program easy
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