Circles Of Seven™
The Science Of Business Mentoring
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Mentors play a significant role in the success of the C7™ program. Without them, it simply could not be done. Mentors are from your business community, well-respected, and recognized as successful people with character and high standards for their business.
Proteges are the businesses and their owners that the program serves. They participate in the program and ultimately benefit from the interaction of the groups in which they participate.
Here are some frequently asked questions by Mentors and Proteges
At the minimum, it takes about 2-3 hours a month for a Mentor to be successful in this program. Some mentors will take more time to prepare and perhaps bring additional resources to a meeting. It is up to the Mentor how they want to be perceived. Preparation is golden. Proteges are expected to attend meetings and be prepared for the month’s discussion. At a minimum they should plan to spend 90 minutes per month attending meetings.
Your group can meet anywhere. The most common places are at the mentor's place of business if it can accommodate 6 proteges and the Mentor, and you won't be interrupted (if during business hours). Other groups have met in public library meeting rooms, banks, and chambers of commerce conference rooms. Sometimes the agency or group sponsoring this program has a conference room. Co-work Offices, business incubators, and accelerators also often have spaces and public meeting rooms.
You can meet anytime the entire group can come together. This will be decided at the first meeting of your group at the kick-off. If you meet at the business location, it is best to do so during non-open open hours if possible or when you aren’t expected to be in the building, i.e.second shift. A lunch meeting is possible if you plan a box lunch during the session. Meeting in a public location is not recommended due to noise and confidentiality issues. When proteges register for the program, they will indicate their best meeting time preferences. The program administrators will keep that in mind when making assignments.
No worries, we will provide training. It will consist of very easy-to-remember facilitation rules and group dynamics. Before the start of the cohort, there will be orientation and training for Mentors. This should consist of approximately ninety minutes or two hours.
The program does not require this. However, if the Mentor has the time and inclination to do so, we encourage it. Mentors may suggest “office hours” where one-on-one conversations with proteges can occur.
There is a minimum cost for proteges to participate in the program. The Agency will determine the amount before the program begins.
That is not an option. Everyone is counting on you; however, we understand if life gets in the way. It will be up to the local agency on how they handle refunds or credits, if any.