Dennis Roberts and Julia Nekich talk about their experiences of being in a mentoring relationship.

Dennis and Julia participated in the Australian Businesswomen's Network MentorNet program. For more information on MentorNet, please click here.

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The Mentor: Dennis Roberts, The Coaching Professionals

Why did you become a mentor?

Entrepreneurship is the ultimate form of personal development. The mentoring relationship allows me to work closely with someone's dreams, ideas, passion and through their limiting self-beliefs. To help liberate and affirm potential is fulfilling for both parties. It's a special kind of relationship. The path to enlightenment is the same path to ignorance. It's just a matter of perspective.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

If you're open minded you learn as much from your mentee as they do from you. They may be different lessons but it's an opportunity to learn and grow, share ideas, explore new technology, delivery methods, find ways to leverage your time and energy and contribute to the success of the program participants.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentor?

Being OK with not having to have the answers. When you have a group of highly intelligent and successful women the challenge is twofold: (1) keeping up with them, and (2) getting out of their way so they can continue to grow and prosper. Julia was a great example. She did things intuitively that were pure genius. My role was to encourage her to reflect, acknowledge her own brilliance, and systemise her processes so her staff, as well as her clients, could benefit.

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

Everyone is a genius awaiting expression. When you hold that intention you create a vacuum for people to fulfill on it. And they do. I read recently that men are promoted on potential whereas women are promoted on performance. I don't subscribe to that view. Genius knows no stereotypes.

How has MentorNet helped to facilitate networking and how has this in turn helped the participants to grow their business and learn?

In Julia's case she defined her niche and declared she wanted to build the capability to serve bigger corporate clients. She's now winning big pieces of work and attracting strategic partners, eg PR, event management, creative studios to collaborate with her. And she's always looking to farm work out to others with a similar mindset.

What would you say to anyone considering being a Mentor in the Mentornet program?

If you feel you have something to contribute, you're right, you do. Go give your gift to the world.

Any additional comments

Working from home can be a lonely, isolating experience. Mentoring is a great way to connect with like minded and spirited people.

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The Coaching Professionals help entrepreneurs create a compelling vision for their future, reaffirm their potential, and then hold them accountable for bringing those dreams to fruition.

Name: Dennis Roberts
Company: The Coaching Professionals
Email: dennis@dennisroberts.com.au Website: dennisroberts.com.au

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The Mentoree: Julia Nekich, The Ideas Suite

Why did you become a mentoree?

I wanted to establish a PR agency but knew very little about building a business. I also secretly wanted a business coach - and I considered MentorNet the next best thing!

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

To come away with a working knowledge of business processes. But the most exciting aspect was that I got my own mentor - and Dennis also happened to be a business coach with an impressive track record.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentoree?

You do need to be self-motivated and proactive. Finding the time to put together a business plan, systems, financial plan and goals can be challenging.

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

I went into the program with the belief that I was on my own. It changed my thinking ? I now realise there are plenty of clients out there, and I cross-refer work with other PR, advertising and events companies. The business plan was another powerful tool - it gave me clarity on where I wanted The Ideas Suite to go.

What would you say to anyone considering being a Mentoree in the Mentornet program?

Prepare to do plenty of work on your business, and try not to lag behind. During each session, I could come to the table with a list of issues I wanted advice on - simply because I had done the work.

How has Mentoring helped you with Networking or how did you use MentorNet to network?

Through MentorNet, I became clear about the kind of relationships I wanted to create. Now, I don?t view other PR agencies as competitors. I'm out there creating alliances with PR, advertising and events companies.

Any additional comments

I can't reiterate enough how valuable it is to have a mentor to provide you with advice tailored to your business. Right after MentorNet, I hired my first staff member and moved into an office. A year later, my mentor, Dennis, is still coaching me through the growth of my business. He's helped me focus on things such as leading, rather than managing. It's been invaluable.

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The Ideas Suite is a boutique PR agency in Sydney's CBD. Its core service is helping businesses meet their marketing goals through media exposure. The Ideas Suite has secured media for clients in the property, health, finance and entertainment industries, and government.

Name: Julia Nekich
Company: The Ideas Suite
Phone: 02 9279 3330
Website: www.theideassuite.com.au