Greene County Economic Development Corporation

Step 9: Mentors and Networking

IDENTIFYING MENTORS

A mentor or advisor can be instrumental on giving you key feedback on your business plan and how to actually implement your business plan. Need help finding a mentor? Try this:

• Identify an individual(s) in your industry and/or a business savvy individual and contact them directly or through someone in your network.
• Search the Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) to find an experienced and willing mentor to work with you online.
• Join the Indiana BizCafe to search for individuals in your particular area that are willing to serve as mentors, advisory board members or industry experts.
• Contact the staff at the GCEDC to be matched up with relevant mentors in the community.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES IN GREENE COUNTY

Why network? (1) Build credibility and referral base, (2) Get feedback and key information, and (3) Lay groundwork for alliances or joint marketing. In most any industry, networking can be your key to success. A starting point is joining one or more of the following:

• Greene County Economic Development Corporation
• Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce
• Eastern Greene Chamber of Commerce
• Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce
• Shakamak Chamber of Commerce

ONLINE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• PartnerUp

TIP: It is highly advised that you develop a ‘board of advisors.’ This can be an informal group of mentors and experts in your industry that you regularly consult with as to the direction your business should go in. At the same time, this group can help with referrals and credibility..

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