Compilation of Feedback from Mentors

IOM prepared a compilation of the feedback received from the mentors, including an evaluation of the business plan, tips to successfully implement a business plan and the mentoring process.

Overall comments are very positive, albeit sometimes a bit critical too, which was exactly the purpose of the mentoring process.
A warm thank you to all the mentor volunteers, mostly from within the PUM network but also from outside.

EVALUATION of BUSINESS PLAN

• “The business proposal is It is well thought through, ambitious, based on a long time of investigation and negotiation.”
• “His risk may be that he is too busy with many initiatives simultaneously.”
• “I believe this is an excellent plan, practically and ideologically. It can be of enormous added value if these types of initiatives are supported and implemented. In addition to cultural change, the biggest bottleneck is financing.”
• “The mentee did not show much activity in gathering relevant information and developing his plan further.”
• “The proposal is not a completely new idea, but more about adapting existing methods.”
• “He easily understands how to breakdown complex structures into simple solutions.”
• “Participant sometimes seems to take his business lightly. His commercial/marketing skills may need to be strengthened.”
• “If the plan is successful in the local markets, replicability is easy.”
• “Very ambitious plan with great potential but will meet difficulties in African reality.”
• “She has a good understanding of the strong and weak aspects of the business.”

TIPS for A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION

• “Start small and stay in good contact with a reliable financial expert.”
• “Stay realistic. Good to have your head in the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground”
• “Everything you sell must have the quality that makes people come back to you for more business.”
• “The proposal is sound but defines an “all or nothing” scenario. I would like to see a path forward if only a limited investment is available; a ‘Plan B.”
• “Knowledge of critical success factors is important.”
• “I have recommended starting with smaller projects, with a good prospect of being successful. “Smaller” means lower financial risk but also a better chance of completion. A successful project usually is a good marketing tool.”
• “Start small is advised. And plan and estimate carefully and conservatively.”

MENTORING PROCESS

• “After a few discussions, he is now working much more focused on specific issues in the planned enterprise.”
• “Through a step by step approach in questioning and developing solutions, the business concept became clear and a business plan based on realistic achievable goals has been developed.”