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Read more SME Success stories online!smefocusMentoringsuccessPhotography: Sandra Pow ChongThe Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s SME Developmenttask team runs a mentorship programme to help entrepreneursclear the hurdles to successful small business ownership.What drew you to the Chamber’s mentorship programme?I learned of the Chamber’s mentorship programme through readingan article about the programme in the first edition of Infocom thatreceived after joining the chamber as a member. The article brieflyprofiled the mentors – all with a wealth of business acumen and experience.I love to read biographies and glean business and life lessonsfrom such stories, but it is seldom that the opportunity presents itselfto interact with an accomplished business person on a one-to-one basisand draw from their experiences to shape one’s business.How does your mentor assist you?Rene and I meet once a month for an hour. I always look forward toRene’s anecdotes about her business experiences. I appreciate that sheis willing to share difficult situations and I greatly value the lessons thatI am able to learn, and apply to my business. Although we have a clearidea in terms of the topics to be discussed, our sessions are relaxed.Rene often sends me additional information and resources.I wanted help in identifying appropriate marketing interventions, hiringstaff and personal development. I have learned through the mentorshipprocess that networking is of paramount importance. Rene hasgiven me good tips. It is evident that she has given my marketing strategymuch thought and wants to see my business succeed. Currently,I work by myself, but the administration of my business often consumesmuch of my valuable time. I have been giving some thoughtto hiring administration assistance, but was not too sure where tobegin! Self-improvement will translate into heightened levels of serviceto my clients. Rene gave very practical advice in this regard andrecommended two very sound subjects for consideration includingemotional intelligence, which is becoming more and more importantin the workplace. Rene, as a small business owner, acutely understandsmy challenges.Name: Wendy FisherCompany: Strategic EDGE Solutions,OwnerMentor: Rene de Reuck, Top PersonnelYour ChamberThe best piece of advice my mentor gave me was to follow yourintuition.The most valuable aspect of the mentorship programme is theopportunity to draw on my mentor’s years of experience and insights.greatly value engaging with a businesswoman, as Rene acutely understandsthe challenges of being a woman in business and has shared(sometimes hilarious) situations which have enabled her to be a betterbusinesswoman.28 September 2012 Infocom Join the Chamber’s mentorship programme. Contact Fezeka Matshoba on sme@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za