Yes, we use certain temperament tests to assist in determining various career directions
for which a client is well suited. However, we find that a combination of one-on-one
counseling combined with test results is far more effective in assisting a client in
establishing alternative paths. Test results lacking background information and
interpretation have limited value.
How long can I expect to work with your organization?
That is a difficult question to answer since it is highly dependent on the individual and
the amount of time that he or she is willing to put into the process. Since the beginning
of Business Mentors, Inc., our numbers reflect that most clients are with us approximately
eight one-hour sessions. This allows the client to work on his or her specific issue or issues
and determine methods to address next steps, whether the objective is a career transition,
executive coaching, or an entrepreneurial pursuit. While this is the average, some clients
have worked with us in excess of three years. Generally, these clients begin with us in a
career transition mode and migrate to executive coaching after their transition to focus on
strategies for success.
How often should I plan to speak or meet with you?
Most clients meet with us at least once a week by teleconference or in person. In some
cases, it is necessary for clients to schedule once every two weeks due to heavy workloads
or travel schedules. While this does not present a major problem, we highly advise that
client not push out our meetings beyond once every two weeks since much of the momentum
that they have developed in the early stages of our efforts can be lost.
Are teleconferences as effective as in person meetings?
Yes. Since over 65% of our clients are remote from our headquarters office living across
the US, Europe, and Asia, we find that much of our counseling occurs by teleconference.
Teleconferences are scheduled at times that are convenient with the clients' schedules and
take into account the varying time zones. In some cases, the teleconference format is
preferable since it allows clients to schedule outside of the peak work times. With the use
of the Internet, it is quite easy to move documents back and forth on the web with minimal
effort and teleconferences can be a highly effective, targeted method for communicating.
Can I expect to have assignments between sessions?
Yes. You will find that we provide specific tasks and research to be accomplished between
our teleconferences or in person meetings. This counseling approach allows the client to be
as productive as possible so that the counselor is able to facilitate and enhance the work that
the client has done on his or her own time. Client response to this approach is quite positive
since it allows the client to maximize the time that he devotes to the change process.
Why do you ask for credit card information prior to the first appointment?
Credit card information allows us to reserve a specific time slot exclusively for the client.
No credit card charges are ever processed until after completion of a counseling session
unless the client fails to provide us with 24 hour cancellation notice prior to a scheduled
appointment time, including the first session (we request cancellation by 5P on Friday for a
Monday session). Once the credit card information is on file, we are able to simply process
your charge at the end of a session and send a receipt to your email address. You can then
print it and save the receipt for your records.
Can I use insurance to pay for your services or can I write off any portion of my expenses?
No. You cannot use health care coverage to pay for our services, but we strongly suggest
that you check with your tax professional to determine if the costs of our services and any
related expenses can be tax-deductible.
What is your ratio of success with your clients?
Measuring ratio of success is difficult when you consider that many clients have completely
separate agendas as they approach our organization. The client measures whether they
have been successful or not. That success could be a new position, the launch of a new
enterprise, a consulting contract, a better offer on an opportunity, resolution of a problem
at work, faster advancement in the corporation, or improving the use of communication
skills with the boss. The fact that we have had few client complaints or requests for refunds
should be a testament to the level of satisfaction that our clients have with our services.
Can you provide me with references?
Unfortunately, the nature of the support that we provide is completely confidential. As a
result, we carefully safeguard the identities of our current and former clients. In some
cases, former clients have agreed to speak with individuals regarding our services, but this
is done on a limited basis.
Which is better: payment by the hour or purchase of a package of sessions?
The choice is completely left up to the client. We normally suggest that the client plan on
paying for the first session on an hourly basis. Then, he or she is able to get a flavor for
the counseling and the consultant. By the end of the session, the consultant will ask for the
payment method that the client prefers and will follow the instructions of the client at that
point in time. The advantage of the package of sessions over the individual hourly fee is a
quantity discount offered. For details on these discounts, please refer to the "Rates" page
on this website.
Do you offer a first meeting for free?
No, unlike attorneys and other professionals, our work begins at the first meeting. We work
diligently with the client from that first moment to diagnose the issue and determine a next
step in the process. Since the services that we provide are career counseling, the delivery
of that service is provided in the first hour. However, naturally, we are happy to speak by
telephone with clients prior to that first meeting to answer any questions that they have
which may not have been addressed on our website.
What types of clients do you work with?
Our counselors work with a wide range of clients, although most of the market needs are
addressed and matched with the strengths or a particular specialty that the consultants
provide. Our CEO, CFO, COO and other senior executives work with consultants who have
extensive experience working with this level of professional while other consultants support
the efforts of middle management, supervisory, and, in some cases, entry level candidates.
