Ten things I have learnt about supporting and mentoring Very Young Entrepreneurs (“VYE”) remotely
Over the last month with the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain strategies have become clearer to me as effective ways to support VYE remotely. Whilst some of the suggestions may seem like common sense, I found that by implementing them, one can support VYE more effectively.
Some of the strategies that I have learnt and have been implementing whilst supporting VYE remotely, particularly during this COVID-19 crisis are listed below.
1. Check-in on VYE as often as you can
Whilst VYE do not require daily check-ins, it is important to be cognisant of the pandemic that we find ourselves in and the challenges that VYE may be facing. As such, regularly checking-in on VYE to find out how they are doing and how their ventures are, is imperative. These check-ins also go a long way in understanding their current mental head-space and their overall well-being.
2. Share articles, information and any other resources you may find
The internet and proliferation of technology has created an abundance of resources at our fingertips. Whenever one comes across anything interesting, relevant or information that could be useful to a VYE particularly about COVID-19 coping strategies and mechanisms, I would encourage them to share the resources and information.
3. Be flexible in your methods of communicating with VYE
An important lesson for me personally was realising that VYE will not all respond the same way to the same method of communication. Some VYE are more responsive via WhatsApp, others on email and a handful prefer direct communication through a phone call. Understanding the method of communication that works best with each VYE is important to know, as this will result in less frustration from slow responses and will enable you to communicate more efficiently with VYE.
4. Meet each VYE where they are
The nature of the VYE that we support are diverse in many ways: age (between 15 and 25 years), venture size, sector and venture stages. This in itself, means that the level of support or type of support that will be required by each VYE differs. It is therefore vital to ensure that as people supporting VYE the questions that you ask VYE are relevant to where the VYE is in their entrepreneurial journey.
5. Always ask questions
An integral part of effectively supporting VYE is not just asking questions, but asking the right questions and asking them as often as possible. Robin Sharma says ‘one of the fastest ways to find the solution to an issue or challenge is to ask the right questions.” Or simply put if you ask the right questions you are more likely to find the right answers. The importance of asking VYE the right questions is to get them thinking outside of their solution-finding mode by asking questions that prompt individuals to think outside the box by considering other factors.
6. A little encouragement and affirmation goes a long way
Whilst VYE are used to receiving public accolades for their achievements, they often still doubt themselves, their abilities and sometimes their ideas, like any other person. As someone supporting VYE, I have found that acknowledging them when they do something well, or encouraging them in their entrepreneurial journey goes a long away and is greatly appreciated by the VYE.
7. Keep note of important meetings and events
In the busyness of supporting many VYE, I have found that taking notes and recording important upcoming events that VYE may be hosting or attending creates a great touch-point for your next interaction or call. As an example, if a VYE is meeting with a potential investor or hosting an event with their suppliers, sending a follow-up text after the meeting/event or bringing it up in your next call is great for continuity and effective support.
8. VYE by nature will be managing multiple priorities
VYE by nature will be regularly managing multiple priorities, often many are running ventures and are also still involved in full time or part-time study, as well as trying to maintain social and family relationships. More often that note, you will find that VYE may struggle to make time for calls or webinars and their communication maybe be limited. During these seasons and moments, it is important to have patience, exercise a bit of grace and not to take it personally.
9. Keep an online community
Upon joining the Anzisha team, I was invited to join the VYE fellow WhatsApp group, which includes various VYE who have been a part of Anzisha since its inception. This group in itself is an online community of VYE, which allows for VYE to post questions, ideas, share resources and once in a while share a good laugh. Such a community creates a great source of inspiration and encouragement for VYE as they can realise that they are many that have gone before them and more importantly that they will be many others that will also follow and learn from their footsteps.
10. Encourage introspection and evaluation
COVID-19 has forced both people and business to slow down, it has also stopped and put many plans, ideas and strategies on hold. It is in these moments that VYE tends to feel slightly overwhelmed and anxious about the present and future. As COVID-19 has given VYE more time than usual, I have found it useful to encourage VYE to introspect and evaluate not only on their ventures but also on their personal growth and development. Asking questions such as what has been working well, which areas can one continue to grow in and what has not been working well for me or this venture.
