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

The Mentor: Kris Spasojevic, Doors with Backbone

Why did you become a mentor?

I became a mentor to share my experiences with other women in business - some of whom are just starting out, many of whom are ready to step up to the next level. I still remember starting out in my own business (even though it was more than 15 years ago), how isolated I was, how diffident I felt, how uncertain about my skills in some areas of business, but also how committed I was to making my business 'happen'. In being a mentor I share the excitement of the mentorees in building their businesses. The ABN is a great organisation and its support of women in business through conducting this program and other events is fantastic and this is my way of supporting the ABN as well as my mentorees.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

Sharing of ideas, strategies and experiences with others. As I work in a male environment my role as a mentor gives me the opportunity to be in touch with other businesswomen. It's also an opportunity to update my knowledge and refresh my skills.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentor?

My biggest challenge was coming to grips with the technology and thinking about the use and application of Social Media tools to different businesses including my own. I'm still working on this! The other challenge of being a mentor was making sure the discussions stayed focused and that each mentoree had equal time to share. Being a 'sounding board' is important to all mentorees.

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

Not all participants are at the same stage of development as business owners. Nevertheless there is always a moment in time when you learn what you need to know at that time... because you are ready to hear, see and experience. Mentorees gain out of the program what they put into it and what they share with others. So some participants gain a lot and others not so much.

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

It's a great experience even if you have not mentored before. The passion and enthusiasm of the mentorees and their commitment to their businesses is awe-inspiring. Being on this journey with them is why I find it so rewarding.

How did the MentorNet program help you increase your sales?

The Program allows me to time to 'work on my business'. Each time I am a mentor I am on the program alongside my mentorees and review my business - usually in one particular area. A few years ago I focused on looking at 'categorising' our customers and I worked on a process to cull out the 'C' customers or time-wasters. This means that now we spend time and energy on our 'real customers'. More recently I focussed on how to 'value-add' my service to clients. I have decided to introduce an e-newsletter for my customers. It's an exciting project.

Kris Spasojevic is the owner of Doors with Backbone. Doors with Backbone solve Sydney home owner's storage problems by installing well-designed, custom-made built-in storage; including home offices, entertainment units, wardrobes, under-stair and attic storage.

Name: Kris Spasojevic
Email: Spasojevic.Kris@gmail.com
Phone: 02 9560 6211

The Mentoree: Mary Petherick, Mammoth Health

Why did you become a mentoree?

I knew I needed help with taking my business to the 'next level'. I did not have the skills or knowledge to do this. And I also knew I couldn't sustain the workload I was doing at the time. The MentorNet program was ideal because I was able to access expert knowledge in each area of business and also the personal support of a mentor who could help me apply this knowledge to my business.

What were you hoping to get from the experience?

I was hoping to get the knowledge and support I needed to work on all areas of my business. I was also looking forward to sharing my experiences with other like-minded women who were in the same position as me.

What is the biggest challenge of being a mentoree?

I think most of us struggled with time management but I think once I had made the decision to make the program a priority I managed to fit in all the other stuff that needed to be done around it.

What is the most powerful thing you've learned?

I learnt so many amazing things in each topic but I think the most powerful thing was my shift in mindset - In the 6 months of the program I shifted from working full-time 'in' the business to working full time 'on' the business.

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

To succeed in any business I think it is really important to have mentors - people that have 'been there' before that can offer valuable advice and guide you along your way so you can also experience business success.

How did the MentorNet program help you increase your sales?

By actively working on every area of my business I now have my vision and goals, financials, policy and procedures and Human Resource strategies in place. This has allowed me to spend most of my time on marketing and developing amazing customer service. As a result our sales have increased significantly since this time last year - something I am really proud of especially in light of the current economic environment.

Any additional comments

MentorNet has been a catalyst for the change in the way I conduct business. It highlighted the areas I really needed to get educated on to further my business; as well as the areas that I needed to have a grasp on but could delegate to my staff. As a result I no longer have to 'do it all' and consequently I now live a very balanced life whilst enjoying a successful business.

Name: Mary Petherick
Company: Mammoth Health
Phone: 03 5243 9084
Email: enquire@mammothhealth.com.au
Website: www.mammothhealth.com.au