Free advice, it doesn't pay - or does it?

[Colin Gilchrist]

(Image care of Hugh at gapingvoid.com)
Not all of us do it for the cash, some of us consider 'The Godfather' way - but ultimately there are a few great people out there in our creative world that give up their time to help and assist startups and young companies without looking for cash.

I personally have helped one or two companies with no regard for covering costs, just for the love of it or consideration of minor equity - just by identifying their passion and recognising a true creative opportunity that needs commercial urgency applied.

Does a group exist of Mentors (from the creative and tech industries) that are willing to give up their time to better help possible innovators; sharing their experience of anything from company culture to preparing a business plan? I guess someone (Ewan) would need to validate each person rather than it be an open group?

Would it be of use?
Does it require mentors to be validated?

[Rosie Wood]

I think a mentoring group would be of great use to start up businesses.
I have as much business and marketing sense as a pebble but I'm sure I have the start of a good product, that could be a success with some expert help.
I've spent about 6 months of my time programming the thing but I have so far sold 0 copies online. I only achieve about 100 hits a week but the product isn't even on the main page so that could have something to do with it.
Ive started on SEO but it doesn't seem to be working, is Adwords worth investing in? Questions like these always seem to lead to spammy web sites offering to sell you their secret, which being a typical Scot, makes me keep hold of my money.
Looking for next project which will likely involve mobiles, Java, loads of research and another wasted 6-12 months of my time. (I'm not getting any younger (or wiser)you know) lol

[Robert Rennie]

I would second Sally's comment there are few initiatives out there championing the cause without a hidden agenda CEO is one and the Scottish Centre for Enabling Technologies (SCET) is another. I see our services complimenting that of CEO. Our focus is in helping companies exploit and explore emerging technologies. We provide FREE - technically your taxes have already paid for the service, impartial information, advice and guidance across a vast array of technologies and can even offer some grant funding. Mentoring? Well that's the real challenge to leave people more capable than you find them - it's certainly what we strive for.

[Sally Johnston]

How about checking out the Cultural Enterprise Office (CEO) is Scotland’s specialist business support and development service for creative and cultural businesses and individuals. Information, specialist advisers, coaching, professional development, events, mentoring and networking.

[Joe Tree]

We're very fortunate to have two individuals, successful in their respective fields, whose expertise we've been able to draw on as Blipfoto grows.

I do think the best relationships have to start with some common ground and develop of their own accord - any formal structure would have to take that into account. Emlyn's point is also very valid - we all have our own areas of expertise and can be mentee (if that's not a word, it should be) one minute, mentor the next.

Keep us informed - I'll be interested to see how this develops.

[Kate Ho]

I agree with Ray here - I think it would be a fantastic idea. Go for it Colin!

[Emlyn Firth]

We've just been discussing the role, and wider definitions, of mentors for our Central Station project.
Interestingly the Nesta Starter for 6 scheme came up as something which worked well, as it was an informal, two-way process, which perhaps even blurred the boundaries of mentor and mentee...

[Ray Macsweeney]

Colin

Sounds like a great concept. I think one of the challenges is finding a way to connect mentors and start-ups in such a distributed environment. Maybe some sort of speed dating called for?

[Colin Gilchrist]

I guess I could; my question is really targetted at the community that has evolved here and whether there is a place for another stewardship or similar serving just 38 minutes. Needless to say I'll check out TRC - thanks Stuart!

[Stuart Cosgrove]

Mentoring is frequently informal as you describe.

My own personal opinion is that no one can 'control' the mentorship process. There are many schemes, some highly formalised and 'professionalised' and I'm sure they would insist it has to be formal. But I think the best system is the one that works for you and the company, and that is often when individuals gel because of a mix or personality, shared ambition, time and space.

Angels are something different because that implies an investment of more than time and ideas, and can frequently lead to small-scale equity investments the Linc group being among Scotland's leading angel advisors.

If its something you want to pursue more Colin, then we could help facilitate.

TRC Media is a good starting point and its within Channel 4, 4iP and Scottish Enterprises 'remits'