Mastering mentoring

We are now on the final countdown as we rush into Christmas. I don’t seem to have many minutes to rub together, so as I race from one thing to the next I steal a moment to reflect on what an amazing year we are having at RedBalloon – how fantastic it is that we will continue to be frantically busy until 2.00pm on Sunday when people sit down to Christmas lunch – and then the RedBalloon elves will also sit back, relax and marvel and how many people we made a difference to this year.

Friends have commented “RedBalloon is everywhere this Christmas” and I have answered by saying “we need to be”. It is important for us to remind people of the power of a great gift – how giving the gift of an experience creates the opportunity of sharing great memories with that person. It is up to us to change gifting in Australia forever.

At this time I also reflect how fortunate I am, how lucky we are at RedBalloon – and to remember that we did not do it alone. So as I think how can I show my appreciation to all those who have helped me – perhaps I could ‘pay it forward’…

I am often contacted by entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals seeking a mentor. And I have tended to take an adhoc approach to these requests. The writing of this blog and the book some years ago, my speaking – there are plenty of ways that I share what I have learned. Sometimes people have a burning question, something that they just need a sounding board for…mentoring does not have to be a long term relationship.

So I was thinking what I could do to provide a more formal mentoring program. Something that would be fun, inspiring, educational and life changing. So I came up with the idea of hosting a mentoring weekend.

My idea is that on April 27, 2012 at one of the RedBalloon Getaway locations we will hold a weekend for eight people (and their partners) who have burning questions. We could have round tables, one-on-one time, even themed dinners. I imagine there will be pre reading – so we are all on the same page…

Anyway if you think it is a good idea, or you would be interested and want to know details, contact me by January 16. I am keen to ascertain if this is something that would be of interest. Also in your email you might want to mention why you would want to attend such an event.

So as we say goodbye to 2011, let’s think about all those people we need to thank for assisting us on the journey – and begin to create what 2012 will be.

Naomi Simson is considered one of Australia’s ‘Best Bosses’. She is an employee engagement advocate and practices what she preaches in her own business. RedBalloon has been named as one of only six Hewitt Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand for 2009 and awarded an engagement scorecard of over 90% two years in a row – the average in Australian businesses is 55%. RedBalloon has also been nominated by BRW as being in the top 10 Best Places to Work in Australia behind the likes of Google. One of Australia’s outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi regularly entertains as a passionate speaker inspiring people on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. Naomi writes a blog and is a published author – and has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded – RedBalloon.com.au.