INITIAL DISCUSSIONS The best way of breaking the ice is to start to look for what is common between you and the other person. Typical issues: The name and what it means to the business owner. Family background /history. Home and family. Studies Business Achievements Difficulties Field of interest / hobbies Dreams / incentives
INSTRUCTIONS
Read about your mentor or mentee! We recommend you to study the professional entrepreneurial history and experiences of your counterpart. This will help to create a first picture.
Do not be late! Be on time - this is the sign of respect and care. Making your counterpart wait is a bad start, especially in the world of business!
Take turns when you speak and listen to each other! Even if you have lots of things to tell your mentor or mentee, be brief and concise! Be an active an attentive listener!
Be always concentrated! Do not think about what you want to say next! Rather be focused and pay attention to what the other is saying and try to understand her/him.
Be open and frank! Be open and frank about your feelings when you start to build your mentoring relation!
Cultural differences
Mentor
It is not always as easy to get to know each other as it sounds. In some countries/cultures people are less willing to open up to others. If you work with a mentor or mentee with a different cultural background, try to understand her/his culture and adapt yourself to her/his speed when you approach her/him. Date Mentee
