Karina Santolin and Bruce Whiting have participated in the Australian Businesswomen's Network MentorNet program. For more information on MentorNet, please click here.

The Mentoree: Karina Santolin, Skeda

Why did you become a mentoree?

My decision to become a mentoree was driven by my desire to become more comfortable in my role as business owner. I was willing to accept help to expand my understanding of how business ‘works’ and felt this programme covers all the key elements creating a solid foundation to grow myself and my business.

Participating in the free 30 minute review enabled me to get some clarity around where I was and some of the key areas that required my attention.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

Primarily the ability to get my business plan out of my head (and several partially completed documents) and into a cohesive strategic direction.

Also, to build my network of trusted people by having access to many mentors in the form of my mentor, specialist presenters and importantly the other mentorees.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentoree?

Doing the work. What I mean by this is being honest with yourself and really working ON the business. It’s challenging to make the time when your business/family etc are all calling for attention.

My mentor helped to keep me accountable (in a friendly positive manner – thanks Bruce) – this was what I needed to stay in focus and deliver on my own promises.

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

Wow, that’s hard, having learnt a significant amount through this programme so far. However if pushed I’d say “Leave your fears behind!" Fear stops people reaching outside their comfort zones – and admitting your weaknesses is confronting but liberating. Acknowledging I needed help was the first step in changing and growing.

As a business owner I am the best person to share the vision, create the goals, develop leadership skills and continue to grow – taking away my fear has opened me up to growth.

What would you say to anyone considering being a mentoree in the MentorNet program?

Dare I enforce some wonderful marketing from Nike..."Just do it"!

Like any programme you will get out of this what you put in. The programme is well developed and delivered, relevant and demanding. If anyone wants to contact me directly to ask specific questions when they are in the ‘enquiry phase’ of looking at this investment, I am happy to spend the time with them.

How has MentorNet helped you focus your business strategy?

The programme is delivered so I could drill into each component, forcing me to look at my business and work on each part individually then bringing that together to form the big picture.

Any additional comments

Anyone who feels that they are constantly chasing their business and wishes they spent time on their business, will benefit from having this dedicated programme that does make you stop, focus, think and then take action.The ABN team and everyone associated with the programme have been supportive and encouraging. I’m glad to have made this investment in myself and my business, thank you to everyone involved.

Skeda brings superior Information Technology consulting services to business clients. We constantly implement new strategies designed to improve our client’s return on their IT investment by offering integrated solutions from our range of products and services. Our clients enjoy a professional, friendly relationship with our team of industry professionals. Contact Skeda on 1300 55 66 67 or email me directly.

Name: Karina Santolin
Company: Skeda
Email: Karina.Santolin@skeda.com.au
Website: www.skeda.com.au

The Mentor: Bruce Whiting, Business Artisans

Why did you become a mentor?

For most of my business life I have had the advantage of working with people I admire and can learn from. They also provided me inspiration and motivation. I now recognise that not every one has the advantage of working with like-minded and skilled people. Hence I feel an obligation and strong desire to provide support to others who are establishing or running their own business. Within the ABN MentorNet program I have presented some of the financial modules as an expert and I realised it would be great to come back as a mentor in future programs to share my own experiences and skills.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

I have a passion to help others and watch them succeed, through providing education and guidance as well as suggesting new ideas and concepts. MentorNet has been a fantastic platform to help with that passion. I was also hoping to consider the true role of a mentor and hone my personal mentoring skills.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentor?

Keeping our mentoring sessions on track, focused on the assigned tasks and the latest module content. Business is so broad, expansive and exciting, so our pod has fun discussing a broad range of issues affecting our businesses. The result is we have limited time discussing recent modules and looking at the set activities.

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

There is no right or wrong way to develop and run a business. Rather the key is preparing your own business plan (much like a business recipe) and then using that plan to achieve your objectives. I have found the MentorNet program ideal for this by guiding the mentorees through the planning process and then providing great practical information to develop those plans.

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

Being a mentor is personally rewarding if you are willing to give up a little time as well as put in the effort. There is also the benefit of improving your own business by working with the mentorees on the assigned tasks. I am significantly more aware of opportunities for my business as I am much more focused and surrounded by people with a great desire to succeed.

How has MentorNet helped you focus your business strategies?

There is nothing quite so alarming as when you are working with the mentorees on their own business strategies, goals and plans and realising that your own strategies, goals and plans are not as well developed. Hence during the MentorNet program I have worked solidly to ensure that I listen to every module presented by the experts and work through each activity. There is always at least one new idea or concept (and usually more than one) that emanates from each module and I make sure I add this to my plan.

Any additional comments

I hope I have added value to the MentorNet program both as a mentor and expert presenter. In these roles MentorNet has assisted me refine my own business activities and I would love to be invited back to participate in the next program!

Business Artisans is a Chartered Accounting firm specialising in business advice, accounting and taxation. We also provide very specific business and investment support and guidance, working with our clients to ensure they are moving in the right direction and achieving their goals.

Name: Bruce Whiting
Email: bruce@businessartisans.com.au
Phone: 02 9521 6942