Mentoring is an opportunity to share experiences and gain new knowledge and skills. While mentors are able to provide guidance and share their experiences with new or developing professionals, mentees gain valuable insight into how to apply successful marketing and business strategies. Several organisations offer helpful mentoring opportunities to London-based businesses and marketing practitioners.
Chartered Institute of Marketing Free Mentoring Scheme
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Mentoring Network is available to all CIM members. The CIM represents the interests of marketing professionals. In addition to setting service standards for the profession, the CIM also develops and organises professional development opportunities. Learning and networking opportunities include from an extensive calendar of conferences and workshops. The CIM is organised by regional networks of volunteers, and is represented in London by the Greater London Region.
The CIM’s Free Mentoring Scheme provides an opportunity for senior members to share their skills and knowledge with less experienced marketing professionals. As part of the programme, mentors help other marketing professionals develop their skills through confidential and objective support. The scheme also provides an opportunity to gain new perspectives and contacts. At the same time, mentors earn Continuing Professional Development (CDP) points. They also gain new insights and share their talent with new marketers. Mentors are typically senior professionals, while mentees are marketing managers and practitioners. Mentors must be members and recognised as a Chartered Marketer for at least two years, in addition to working as in a marketing position for at least eight years. For more information about the CIM’s Free Mentoring Scheme, visit www.cimlondon.co.uk.
Capital Enterprise Mentoring
Capital Enterprise is a membership-based organisation that provides enterprise support services in London. The non-profit organisation offers a range of services, including advice, training, networking, mentoring, and technical expertise. Capital Enterprise also provides soft loan financing, incubator accommodation and accelerator programmes for entrepreneurs and small businesses trading and based in London.
Capital Enterprise offers a free mentoring service for businesses in London. Business mentors are senior business professionals drawn from Capital Enterprise’s membership. Mentors are trained and are Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) qualified. Mainly based in the City, business mentors provide up to 12 hours of one-on-one support to entrepreneurs. Through participation in this mentoring scheme, mentees gain insights and advice on how to improve and grow their business. For more information about mentoring opportunities with Capital Enterprise, visit www.capitalenterprise.org.
UCL Advances Business Mentoring
UCL Advances is a centre for entrepreneurship at University College London (UCL). It offers training, business support and networking opportunities to individuals inside and outside the university. UCL Advances offers a free, application-based business mentoring programme for established London-based businesses. This initiative helps businesses grow and develop through a careful analysis of business needs. The mentoring programme also connects micro, small and medium sized businesses with industry mentors.
The UCL Advances business mentoring scheme is open to businesses that are registered and trading in London. It is designed for businesses that have operated for at least 12 months but who are experiencing growing pains, which might be the result of a lack of experience or expertise. All businesses that have been trading for less than a year must first complete UCL Advances’ Business Surgery workshop series. This series focuses on fundamental business topics, including funding, marketing and sales. For more information on UCL Advances’ business mentoring opportunities and other business supports, visit www.ucl.ca.ac/advances.
Horsesmouth
Horsesmouth is a free online tool designed to promote one-on-one mentoring. The informal social network provides personal and professional mentors in a range of areas, including volunteer mentors that provide business and enterprise advice and insight. Business mentors include retired professionals, practicing senior managers, active entrepreneurs, and others who have experiencing running or managing a business.
Entrepreneurs and business professionals are able to find a mentor by searching detailed profiles. Searches can be completed using keywords or based on a wide range of topics, including marketing and other business related areas. For more information or to find a business mentor, visit www.horsesmouth.co.uk.