The Mentor: Danny Mazevski, Amco Public Accountants

Why did you become a mentor?

A number of reasons really, the main ones are:

• Share my extensive experience to date in the financial industry with those embarking on building their small to medium-sized businesses particularly where the financial discipline needs strengthening and in turn lead to sustainable competitive advantage and of course above industry return on investment.
• Suggestions made by a number of our clients (to consider mentoring) following successful coaching of them in their businesses.
• In my career I have relied on mentors myself in corporate life and found the experience invaluable.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

My goals were to:

• Learn more about the challenges facing small business owners in their pursuit of profit.
• Expand the profile of our practice beyond the current offering - Taxation, Accounting, Financial Planning and Management Consulting.
• Build networks beyond our client base and the Sydney region.
• Develop business relationship with ABN staff and assist members post completion of course as they re-engineer their small to medium size businesses.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentor?

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

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

I suppose one that comes to mind is to be clear on what you hope to achieve from the program and then seek assurances from the coordinators and your Mentor that the content/scope is geared up to provide the same objectives.

The sole principal of the practice, Danny Mazevski founded AMCO Public Accountants in 1998.AMCO identified that many individuals and small to medium sized businesses are not receiving the advisory and value added services they need from traditional accounting firms. In addition to providing traditional accounting and taxation services, AMCO build strong relationships with clients to become their advisory partner. For more information visit www.amcotax.com.au

The Mentoree: Annalisa Holmes, The Transcription People

Why did you become a mentoree?

There are a few reasons why I wanted to join the MentorNet program. My business was up and running and was growing rapidly and I felt personally that I did not have the full compliment of skills across all aspects of the business. The MentorNet program looked like the ideal solution for me as it covers all aspects of business.

Also, I wanted to find out exactly how much I knew about business and whether I was just out of my depth or I was on the right track. I have dabbled in the past with various business coaches and business mentors none of which had really understood the nature of my business. The calibre of people and members I have met through the ABN confirmed to me that this would be a positive and worthwhile program to join.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentoree?

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

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

What is the best thing that has come from this experience?

Working with my mentor has created more revenue for our business. Our income increased by 5% in the first month after I implemented his advice.

By taking a step back and looking at our services, he identified the potential to grow our web hosting business as we have a unique approach to web hosting. Also by having an external party like my mentor review our pricing structure for our transcription, he has come up with some suggestions on how we can factor in the usual non-chargeable costs. With his vast financial knowledge, we have greatly benefited from his advice and guidance.

The Transcription People Pty Ltd offers a complete digital dictation and transcription solution for forward thinking businesses. For enquiries contact Annalisa Holmes on 1300 787 092 or email info@ttp.com.au