Continuing on from our blog last week, more mentors explain why they share their knowledge…
When you see someone with a passion to get a message out, you bend over backwards to help them.
Cyndi O’Meara, Author & Founder of Changing Habits
My favourite people to mentor are those that are willing to put the work in order to help themselves.
My speciality is health and there are two young couples in particular that I mentor. Sometimes they’ll call me in a critical situation and I’m able to give them the information to help them make the right choice for themselves and their children. I’ve seen over the many years we’ve been talking, the change in their belief of the human body and the power of food. It’s been an amazing journey to see the changes they have made and they now inspire me with their thirst for knowledge and change.
Other people I’ve mentored are ones who wish to write a book. I wrote my first book in 1995 – self-published then contracted to Penguin. I know the pros and cons of self-publishing, going with a publisher, as well as audio books and electronic books. I’ve been able to mentor people who wish to write a book and create a best seller. When you see someone with a passion to get a message out, you bend over backwards to help them.
I love to share my knowledge in order to help people succeed in life – it’s been my life’s work.
We reap what we sow
Marcus Lim, Founder and CEO of Oneflare.com.au
I’ve always been a firm believer in the mantra, ‘we reap what we sow’. When it comes to mentoring, it is exactly like that. You invest time, energy and resources into an aspiring entrepreneur and the entire community benefits from their creative and passionate business endeavours.
I mentor Peter Oh, a Sydney University Arts undergrad and we meet once a fortnight to discuss his ideas and share what I’ve learnt from my mistakes. I invite Peter into the office frequently so he can observe how I work in my environment and understand how to lead and guide a team. I have always been passionate about helping people succeed and being a mentor gives you the chance to guide others, impart practical wisdom and thoroughly equip them for an independent and successful career. Mentoring is not a choice, it’s a necessity for our community and future.
Fostering the talents of others
Zach Johnson, CEO of Atmail.com
I was recently a coach at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Startup Weekend which involved mentoring multiple teams while they worked furiously to launch a product over nearly 72 hours. I lent my expertise in business planning, growth and team development as well as in structuring successful presentations for getting judges and investors to buy in to their vision.
I firmly believe in the opportunity we have here on the Sunshine Coast to build and foster an innovative business community and I fully intend to continue my involvement in future Startup Weekends, CoderDojos and lobbying our local, state and federal government to ensure Coast business have the necessary support and encouragement to grow and thrive.
Knowing a good thing when you see it
Greg Taylor, co-founder of Clipp.co
I have started a couple of successful businesses since leaving Uni, and friends often refer aspiring entrepreneurs they know to me, for me to offer some advice. At the moment, in my spare time I’m helping two people with some start-up advice. Firstly, with a friend Daniele Richter, who is starting an online learning business in what I think is an awesome niche that is ripe for this type of product.
The other person I meet with has one of the best (except for Clipp!) idea’s for their business i’ve seen in a long time. I can’t mention any names or what the business is, but I genuinely think this will hit out of the park with what they’ve built.
Giving back to the community
Gen George, Founder and CEO, OneShift.com.au
I mentor a group of women who are the founders of Kolide – and app that aims to unearth the best experiences Sydney has to offer on a daily basis.
I know first hand what it’s like to start a business or develop an idea with no technical experience. I guide them in the right path by connecting them to the relevant contacts and advising them on business tips and tricks. I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community and pass on what I’ve learnt.
To be concluded next week….