Good mentoring relationships rarely happen by accident. The chamber’s matching process is built to give each pair a fair start, and a few habits make the difference between a friendly chat and a real turning point.
Before the match
Everyone fills in a short form about their industry, experience, languages and what they want from the program. A small committee reads each form and suggests pairs, looking first at goals and then at personality and schedule. Mentees see a short profile of their mentor before agreeing, and either side can ask for a change in the first month.
For mentees
Come to each meeting with one question you want answered. Send a brief note afterwards about what you will do next. Mentors give time, not answers, so expect to be asked more questions than you ask.
For mentors
Listen first and share your own mistakes as well as your wins. Introduce your mentee to one or two people when it makes sense. Avoid taking over the business; the goal is a confident owner, not a dependent one.
- Agree on a meeting rhythm at the first session.
- Write down two or three goals and review them halfway.
- Keep conversations confidential unless both agree otherwise.
At the end of the term the pair reflects on what was achieved and decides whether to keep meeting informally. Many do, and some mentees become mentors the following year.