What’s the difference between coaching and mentoring?
Coaching and mentoring require the same skills and are both concerned with facilitating growth and change, but they differ in terms of time and outcomes.
Casual coaching available through the CHAT program is generally short-term and very specific. We start by focusing on one achievable goal, and then work towards that in a relatively short time frame (usually a few weeks or months). There is no commitment from either the coach or the participant.
The ongoing commitment of the GROW program is focussed on longer term mentoring, and usually requires goals that are more complicated or more difficult. This program also helps businesses through the change management process. GROW programs take a maximum of 6 months, but some clients have chosen to continue with subsequent programs for up to a year. There is a commitment to the relationship for the period of time and the participant is accountable to the mentor at all stages.
Is my information kept confidential?
Monica Davidson, as CEO of Creative Plus Business, agrees to honour and protect your privacy and the confidentiality of any communications and personal information shared with her or any other coach from Creative Plus Business. We also abide by the International Coach Federation Code of Ethics – http://www.coachfederation.org/ethics/ Monica will not even mention you as a client unless you specifically give her permission to do so – she often jokes that would not have helped over 500 creative people if she was a blabbermouth.
Is there a contract?
Yes, all of the programs from CHAT to GROW to PLAN are bound by contract. When you pay for a session you will be contacted by someone from the C+B team to arrange a date and time for the session and a copy of the terms and conditions will also be forwarded to you.
Where will the sessions take place?
Monica works all over Sydney NSW and where possible she will meet you in one of her onsite locations, at your office, or in a mutually convenient location like a cafe. If you are based outside of Sydney, sessions can also take place either by Skype of Google Hangout. If you book a PLAN day and are not based in Sydney, you will be required to provide the venue and pay for any reasonable travel and accommodation costs incurred
What if I don’t complete all of the GROW sessions – is there a refund?
Only in cases of extreme personal or business duress will you be offered a refund. However, the C+B team will work with you to try and arrange a postponement of your remaining sessions, rather than an outright cancellation where possible. You will be given a full or partial refund if the cancellation was at the request of someone from the Creative Plus Business team.
Do I have to come by myself?
No, not at all. Many of Monica’s regular clients are in partnerships, co-operatives or creative teams. As long as all parties involved in the session are working on or in the business, everyone is welcome and confidentiality still applies.
Is there a guarantee that the program will make all my goals into reality?
No. The process requires commitment and accountability from the client in order to work. These programs are not meetings with a fairy godmother – they are a way of being accountable to someone outside your organisation who will give you trustworthy guidance, honest feedback and an objective ear. Having said that, since 2012 over 40 clients have worked with Monica over periods ranging from 3-18 months in similar programs to GROW, and all have reported improvement in planning process, time management, turnover and goal realisation.
Who is Monica and what are her qualifications?
Monica Davidson is the lead mentor at Creative Plus Business and has over twenty years of experience in helping creative people develop their business skills. She is a trained and practicing filmmaker and writer, and recently completed her Masters in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, with a thesis that focusses on the benefits of mentoring and sponsorship programs. She is also the NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor, appointed by the NSW Department of Trade and Investment to provide advice and guidance for creative businesses in the Sydney and wider NSW area. Find out more about Monica here.
However, Monica is not a lawyer, accountant or financial advisor. She can provide business advice and guidance, and direct you to more resources to help you with your more specific needs. Visit the Resources page to find out more.
Any more questions?
Please email hello@creativeplusbusines.com and we’ll be very happy to help.