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Learning from a Mentor

Learning from a Mentor. What it means…. What is a Mentor Definition. A trusted counselor or guide A tutor or coach Builds a personal relationship Consultant - One who gives professional advice or Services, Expert…. What to expect of mentors.

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Learning from a Mentor

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  1. Learning from a Mentor What it means…

  2. What is a Mentor Definition • A trusted counselor or guide • A tutor or coach • Builds a personal relationship Consultant - One who gives professional advice or Services, Expert…

  3. What to expect of mentors • That they will share their experiences and knowledge about a particular area of farmers’ market operation • That they will establish a personal relationship that is supportive (not competitive) • They they will counsel/guide you in how you might be more effective • Offer options (many ways to skin a cat)

  4. What you will gain • Meet another market manager and learn from them, someone to call on • Information and ideas for improvements that will make your efforts more effective and the market more successful

  5. Qualities of a Good Mentor and Mentee • Energetic, enthusiastic, passionate about markets • Good teacher, articulate • Good listener, communicator • Willing to share • Well organized • Experienced, has practical knowledge

  6. Qualities of a Good Mentor • Able to see the big picture • Gets at the root of the problem quickly • Encourages problem solving • Offers alternate solutions • Not imposing • Follows up with info • Returns calls/emails promptly

  7. What we expect of Mentees • Provide background information about your market • Share experiences of what has worked or not and why • Be organized • Be clear about your needs • Be timely in following up

  8. What will make the Relationship Work • Mutual respect • Being open, flexible • Two-way communication • Quality interactions • Staying focused • Shared interest in outcome

  9. Break For Questions

  10. Matchmaking Process • Your needs will be matched with mentors experience • Geography is being considered • Confirm your commitment – watch for email from Diane • Match letter will be sent in April to mentor and mentee • Mentor initiates contact

  11. Meeting your Mentor:Phone call Info to gather: -Market info – rules, promotional literature, bylaws, sponsorship, etc. -Website -Be clear about what help is needed -Identify goals for the consulting project -Set up a meeting before market starts

  12. Meeting your MentorIn person meeting • Establish personal relationship • Questions you have from homework • Review market needs/issues and why you feel help is needed • Go over project goals and define outcomes • Establish shared expectations

  13. Meeting your MentorSite Visit • Mentor may schedule a visit to market • Purpose is to observe, make notes, take photos, talk with vendors, sponsors, or whoever is relevant for their opinions • Touch base with mentee if time permits

  14. Is there synergy? Check in time • Is it clear in your mind and the mentors what you hope to accomplish? • Have you established project goals to work on? • Is the mentor comfortable in addressing your particular needs • Can you work with the mentor? • IF NOT, Let Diane know

  15. Preparing for a Worthwhile Experience • Develop shared understanding and expectations between mentor-mentee • Develop a Work Plan based on goals identified jointly with mentor • List priority topics that need to be addressed and ways they might be addressed • Develop a timeline for gathering/sharing info to address needs • Develop a communication plan

  16. No Magic Bullet • Mentors can’t solve all the problems • Actions are up to the mentee • You don’t have to accept or follow the mentor’s advice

  17. Project Timeline • March – Mentor-Mentee Training • April – Match letters will be sent Mentor will contact you for background info • May – Mentor arranges in person meeting - establish project goals and identify action steps, timeline • June? – Market Meeting • July-October – follow-up activities as needed • Nov-Dec – summary report

  18. How much time can you expect of mentors • Depends on the need to be addressed • Need to stay focused • Depends on mentor’s time availability • Mentor may direct you to other resources where appropriate

  19. Types of Problems • Vendor problem – not enough, mix, etc. • Market location/layout • Market rules/enforcement • Attracting customers • Market promotion, events • Fundraising, fees, etc. • Friend of Market organizations

  20. How to address them • Provide information • Engage in analyzing the situation • Identify roadblocks • Consider alternatives • Recognize what is being done well • Develop action steps for accomplishing goals/changes/vision

  21. Need Help? Contact Diane or Monika • Diane Eggert diane.eggert@verizon.net 315-637-4690 • Monika Roth mr55@cornell.edu 607-272-2292

  22. Questions?

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