FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I get into HEMP? (both from mentor and mentee view)
A: Admission into HEMP for both Mentors and Mentees is an application and interview process. First one must meet the qualifications as outlined below. The interested party must then complete an application and submit it to the HEMP Executive Director along with the requested documentation. Interviews and site visits will be scheduled and conducted if the applicant is considered a good candidate based on the qualifications and application submitted.

Mentor Selection Criteria:
• Veteran business owner or top level executive
• Desire and ability to serve as a mentor
• Willing to openly share business knowledge - both successes and failures

Mentee Selection Criteria:
• You own a majority of the business and operate as the sole Ultimate Decision Maker of the business
• You have been the Ultimate Decision Maker in the business a minimum of 3 years
• You have annual revenues over $1,000,000
• You have a desire to substantially grow your business
• You have a minimum of 5 employees
• You display internal and external integrity as a business owner
• You are willing to invest the time - meet with mentor a minimum of 2 times per month and attend 75% of networking events and programs

Q: What are the expectations?
A: Mentors and Mentees are expected to meet with each other periodically throughout the year.

Mentees are expected to attend 75% of events per year including the annual retreat. In the first year of selection, mentees are expected to attend the orientation lunch and the matching event.

Mentors are asked to attend at least 50% of events per year including the annual retreat.

HEMP Counselors are encouraged to attend as many events as possible to continue the valuable networking opportunities within HEMP.

Relationships between Mentors and Mentees are expected to be open, honest and confidential. Relationships among all HEMP participants are expected to be honest, respectful and professional.

Q: What are the benefits?
A: The key benefit of being involved with HEMP is the invaluable experience participants have in the one-on-one mentoring relationship. The HEMP experience is enhanced by the educational and networking opportunities offered through events, mentor and mentee group meetings, and the retreat.

Q: How much does it cost?
The fee structure and notes are:

Mentee:  $3,000 per year
Mentors and Counselors:  Cost is supported by HEMP - expertise and time is invaluable
Society of Fellows:  $600 per year

Mentees must graduate from the 3-year program and pay all applicable fees before the remaining options are available.

Q: What is the main focus of the program?
A: The one-on-one mentoring relationship is the focus of the program. The relationship between mentor and mentee, and the personal and professional accomplishments resulting from the relationship is the key to the program. All other aspects of the program inherently support the relationship and development of the mentee making for a well-rounded experience.

Q: How long is this program?
A: The formal program with a Mentor/Mentee facilitated relationship is 3 years. After 3 years, individuals may remain in the program as a Society of Fellows participant. There is an annual fee for the Society of Fellows to defray the administrative and program costs.

Questions from Mentees

Q: What types of things should I ask my mentor?
A: Types of questions asked vary by relationship and there are no right or wrong questions to ask. During the expectation setting phase of the relationship, ground rules should be set so that each individual in the relationship is comfortable sharing information. As a general rule of thumb, if you are not comfortable asking a question or sharing certain information, then don't share it with the reason why you are not comfortable at the current time providing the information.

Q: Do I always need to have a major business issue to get in touch with my mentor?
A: No. However, any parameters around this question should be determined with the matching expectations discussion you and your mentor have at the beginning of your relationship. The breadth of topics and situations you discuss with your mentor will develop and change as your relationship develops and changes over time.

Q: Is my mentor available any time day or night?
A: Your mentor's availability, the best times and methods of getting in touch are items to discuss in one of your first meetings. You and your mentor should share your communication styles and specifications to ensure you have the best communication possible and set expectations in that area of your relationship.

Q: Who can I go to if I have questions about the effectiveness of my mentor or the program?
A: The HEMP managing director will be following up periodically with both mentors and mentees to discuss how the relationship is progressing. If you have questions in the interim on either topic, please give the executive director a call. Staff is there to help you maximize your HEMP experience.

Q: Are there certain things that I should or shouldn't do as a mentee?
A: Always be open, honest and respectful with your mentor and the relationship and work you are doing together.

Questions from Mentors

Q: What are my responsibilities as a mentor?
A: The mentor's responsibility is to act as a coach and sounding board for the mentee and not be the sole source of knowledge for all of the mentee's issues. Mentors are also encouraged to attend events so that they can get to know others in the program and recognize the resources that they have available to call upon to work through a specific mentee issue.

Q: What if there are questions that I can't answer or help that my mentee needs that I can't offer?
A: You are not expected to always have the answer, but to be a guide and a resource for your mentee. If you don't know the answer or feel you aren't the best person to mentor your mentee through a particular issue, point your mentee in the right directions. Suggest that you and your mentee involve another HEMP mentor or resource that may specialize in the topic at hand. Or point your mentee in the direction of written resources in books, periodicals, the internet or possibly suggest he or she contact another business development organization. The HEMP staff is an excellent source for resource ideas.

Q: Do I need to attend HEMP events or can I just be a mentor?
A: Attending HEMP events is to your benefit and that of your mentee and the organization. Events provide a great opportunity for you to network with your mentee and other mentees and mentors in HEMP. Event speakers, presentations and group discussions just may give you that next idea to boost your mentoring relationship, your business or even yourself. Mentor participation in events truly enhances the experience for all mentees in the program.

Q: What role do I play if there is not a mentee match?
A: If there is not a mentee match for you in the current classes, you have the option of remaining in the program as a HEMP Counselor. Your experience and expertise is invaluable for those specific and occasional questions that may come from one of the mentees when they need a resource outside of their own mentor relationship. As a HEMP Counselor, you are still an active participant in HEMP to the point that you wish to attend events and be available to mentees. You may be re-engaged as a mentor with the new incoming class or on the occasion that a mentee needs or requests a new mentor.