© the prince’s youth business international, 2013 communication & strategies john cull

© The Prince’s Youth Business International, 2013

Communication & Strategies

John Cull


Themes

• How we work

• What is business mentoring

• Stages of the relationship • Communication essentials


How we work …


“Mentoring is a practical approach to help young entrepreneurs develop their

abilities and insights as they start and grow their own businesses”

- YBI definition


Empowerment vs. Dependence (1)Parent Mode

“You should do it this way”

P

A

C

A

C

P

“OK – thanks”

Parent

Adult

Child


Empowerment vs. Dependence (2)Adult Mode

P

A

C

A

C

P

“What challenges areyou facing right

now?”

“Well, the ‘big’ one is how to get new

customers”

Adult Adult


Benefits of having a Mentor

• Support the entrepreneur to achieve their objectives• Share their business knowledge and expertise (for free!) • Provide encouragement and support especially when the

going gets tough• Help to work out creative and innovative solutions• Challenge and expand beliefs of what is possible• Help the entrepreneur become more focused and

productive• Signpost to other ‘experts’


“The profile of mentoring and its benefits should be raised. We think that a lot of businesses don’t

understand how mentoring works and don’t realise it is about guidance and support.

It’s definitely not someone telling you how to run your business.”

- YBI Entrepreneur


Mentoring is:• One-to-one• Confidential• Trusting and supportive• Developmental• Building capacity and skills• Focused on the individual• Forming a partnership/a friendship• A mutual learning experience• Building self reliance


Mentoring isn’t:

• Direct sponsorship• A conflict of interest• Being secretive• Too task focused• Doing it for the mentee/giving the answers• Getting stuck in the details• Offering protection


Stages in the Mentoring Relationship

• Establishing the relationship:

• Get to know each other and agree to the ground rules

Maintainingthe relationship:Explore goals, identify challenges and find solutions

Ending the relationship: Establish independence and develop self-

reliance


Key Skill is to LISTEN

Look Interested

Inquire with questions

Stay alert

Test your understanding

Empathise

Neutralise your feelings


Listening Exercise

For the purpose of this exercise, you must listen to your partner for two minutes talking about what they like to do outside work.

Rule! You can only ask open questions …


Open Questions

How……..?

Where….?

What…….?Who………?

When…..?

Tell me………?

Explain..?

Describe…….?

Why………?


Question Types

Open: “Tell me what you would like to talk about today?”

Closed: “Are you ready to sum up the main action points”?

Leading: “You will be working on your business plan, won’t you?”

Limiting: “When would you prefer to meet – mornings or afternoons?”

Beware of multiple questions!


Key Skill is to LISTEN

Look Interested

Inquire with questions

Stay alert

Test understanding

Empathise

Neutralise your feelings


THE CORE RELATIONSHIP

Mentoring Manager

Mentor Mentee


Time for Q & A


Themes

• How we work

• What is business mentoring

• Stages of the relationship • Communication essentials


“If I had not been provided with a mentor, I would not have made some of the better business choices because I wouldn't have known any better.”

Mentee, Barbados Youth Business Trust

© the prince’s youth business international, 2013 communication & strategies john cull

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