BW NICE Mission Statement

BW NICE, Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education, provides women at all stages of business and personal life with support, education and resources. We see value in the balance of business networking and charitable outreach. We bring women together to gain meaningful business connections, learn new ways to succeed, and foster an empowering environment. Each BW NICE chapter raises funds and awareness supporting a local organization in the fight against domestic violence.

BW NICE Corporate
Mentor Program Guidelines

Mentoring is a process in which an experienced individual helps another person develop goals and skills through a series of time-limited, confidential, one-on-one conversations and other learning activities. To be involved in a mentoring relationship is a privilege for both the mentor and the mentee. Mentoring is a partnership between two individuals. The mentor must wear many hats throughout the process. A mentee must also perform several roles. The mentee is the student who needs to absorb the mentor’s knowledge and have the ambition and desire to know what to do with this knowledge. As a student, the mentee needs to practice and demonstrate what has been learned.

Mentee Recommendations

  1. Allow your mentor to take the lead in the relationship, at least initially.
  2. Use active listening skills during discussions with your mentor. Be careful not to interrupt, unless you need to clarify a point and you see no other opportunity or pause. Take notes when appropriate.
  3. Prepare the goals and objectives you have for your career. Be prepared to ask for specific guidance and advice on your goals, plans and strategic ideas. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for your mentor to help you.
  4. Take the initiative to ask for feedback. Feedback, although difficult to hear at times, is critical to your personal and professional growth and development. Ask for specific details to ensure you understand specific behaviors. Tell your mentor how you prefer to get feedback (for example, direct, with humor, softened). Honest feedback gives you an opportunity to improve yourself and help you to move towards fulfilling your potential.
  5. Always be considerate and respect your mentor’s time, as you do your own. Return phone calls promptly and be on time with commitments or meetings.
  6. Demonstrate that you have followed advice or commitments for action at every opportunity, even if you have modified your plan. Pointing out that you used your mentor’s help and sharing outcomes is important.
  7. Respect your mentor’s confidence and trust. Assume the mentoring connection will be strictly professional. This does not mean you cannot be yourself, or you cannot be friendly.
  8. Prepare yourself to move beyond your mentoring connection, once it has served its purpose. Be sure to end on a positive note.
  9. Follow-up with your mentor after termination to keep in touch, to share your progress and to continue to express your gratitude.

What makes the ideal mentee?

  1. Eagerness to learn
  2. Ability and willingness to work as a team player
  3. Patience
  4. Having a positive attitude