Mentors - a few questions.

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Mentors - a few questions.

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Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I see so many posts asking about the mentor program from the student perspective. I wanted to get some info on the mentor side. I've been toying with the idea of mentoring since I hit a 6 but am worried I might get frustrated based on some of the posts about students being rude or unresponsive and such. I like to help, but I don't like banging my head against a wall, you know??

So, what is it that you like best about being a mentor? What do you like least? How much time would you say you spend mentoring each day or week? Have you had any unpleasant situations arise? Do you generally find the program to be rewarding or frustrating as a mentor? What has been the easiest part of mentoring and what has been the hardest?

Any other details you'd like to share would be much appreciated!
11/15/2011
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Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
It's hard for me to say how much time I put in, since it depends on how many students I currently have, and when they submit their reviews. Sometimes I will have several reviews submitted in one day, and sometimes I will have nothing to do for a week, while students are in the process of testing out products.

My favourite part is when I get a student who puts a lot of effort in, really wants to learn, and improves their reviews a lot.

Sometimes I get students who can already write great reviews and don't need much help. I end up being more of an editor than a mentor. That's easier, but isn't as interesting.

Then there are the difficult students, who are resistant to making changes. I let them know what information needs to be added to the review, but they just re-submit it without the changes at all. That's the most frustruating thing to me.

There are also the students who never finish their reviews and just disappear. I've cancelled quite a few classes for that reason.

Overall, I think it's rewarding, but it really depends on your personality.

If you will get really annoyed by students who don't finish their reviews and don't reply to your messages, then I wouldn't suggest being a mentor because that happens pretty frequently.
11/15/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
I also can't say how much time per week I spend because it varies. Some weeks have almost no activity and some weeks I have all my students on me at once.

The part that makes it worth it to me is when a student really does take away what I'm telling them and really puts in the effort to make their reviews better. And sticking with a student long term too. I have a student who's been dealing with school stuff for over a year now, and another that has written quite a few reviews with me so far.

I don't like having to cancel classes from students who start and never finish, but if it's what I have to do to get active students every now and then, I'm ok with that.
11/15/2011
Contributor: Beck Beck
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I see so many posts asking about the mentor program from the student perspective. I wanted to get some info on the mentor side. I've been toying with the idea of mentoring since I hit a 6 but am worried I might get frustrated based on some of the ... more
I am new to the mentoring thing. I have had rude and I just tried to say if you do not want to listen then mentoring program is not for you. I like being a mentor because it is fun to help others better the reviews. I do not like when I have to tell a student to many times about what makes a great review. Some days no time at all and then some days an hour or two. It depends because sometimes I have to proof and edit reviews from more than one student and then talk back and forth with them. I have only had one unpleasant situation, but I think about what to write that way it is no longer hostel situation. I find it rewarding I love to check on my past students and see how well they are doing still Makes me smile. The hardest is getting started and the easiest is making friends from it, which is also the best. Over all I am happy to be a mentor and I think you would be a great one I have not had to cancel yet, but I think I will have to here soon, but I would hate to fail someone. I have not, yet, but think I may have too. I am trying to just keep the student until they get it but does not seem to be working
11/15/2011
Contributor: Eva Schwaltz Eva Schwaltz
I try not to take on lots of students at once. I started off slow so I can also get a feel for how things are done. I was a student before, but it is completely different being a mentor. Like others have said, you'll get good students and bad students. I had a student cansel the class when I offered suggestions on her review, so you'll definitely get people who just don't want to put in the work.

Good luck, you'll be a great mentor.
11/15/2011
Contributor: aliceinthehole aliceinthehole
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I see so many posts asking about the mentor program from the student perspective. I wanted to get some info on the mentor side. I've been toying with the idea of mentoring since I hit a 6 but am worried I might get frustrated based on some of the ... more
i say go for it. it's about as much work as writing a review, each time you edit the review and/or correspond with the student. i've had one student turn out to be farming, get REALLY rude and defensive when i called him out on it, and cancel the class. he's now under someone else. whatever.

it can be a fair amt of work and sometimes it sucks when you go to all that trouble and then your student turns out to be a farmer. and the class is cancelled, and you get 50 points instead of 500 for graduating them.


but that's the one bad apple. dont let that spoil the bunch! most my students have been great, and two of them recently nominated me for the contributor of the month award. it's a great way to intimately get to know newer members and make friends. i really like it and am glad i joined.
11/15/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
I have had a *lot* of fun with most of my students, and a good time with others. I really like the opportunity to meet newer contributors and show them around---I have had one student that didn't want to change their reviews based on my input, and that one eventually stopped logging, which made me sad, so I cancelled the class after not hearing from her for 1.5 months. That was my third student, my second cancelled the class herself after never submitting a review. My first student, and all the current ones, have been really great! I'm so glad to get to know each of them.

A couple things I would suggest---if you become a mentor, let advanced contributors know that you're willing to mentor them. Then you can a) get established (and get a little "mentor number" by your name), and b) learn how your mentoring style works. I have learned just as much from my advanced students as my new ones---and they can be fun too because you know you're giving a leg up to someone who really cares.

Major tip: If you get a student request, send them a message before you accept it. Lots of contributors will send out like 6 requests at the same time, and then just wind up with whichever mentor clicked over first. With my second and third students (the ones who didn't really want to improve or be part of the site), I was like "Oh great! Students!" and accepted them right away. Now that I had those two negative experiences, I will only accept a student sight-unseen if they mention liking my writing style or one of my reviews, or at least my name. If someone just messages "Hi I'm curious about the mentor program" I will send them a message back explaining how I conduct my class, and that I hope to get a message from them (even if no review) at least on a weekly basis, and a couple other things. If they reply to that and they think I will be a good match for them, then I'll happily accept their request. If they don't reply... I don't accept their class request.

Basically, you can minimize negative experiences by talking to people before shacking up with them

And get an advanced student to start out with so you can hone your style with a friend.
11/15/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Thanks for all the input guys! Very helpful information and good to know.
11/16/2011
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Antipova
I have had a *lot* of fun with most of my students, and a good time with others. I really like the opportunity to meet newer contributors and show them around---I have had one student that didn't want to change their reviews based on my input, ... more
Agreed on the major tip. I've canceled several classes because I never received a response after accepting the student and sending out my welcome message.

Because of this, I can't accept someone who really wants to be my student for another couple of days. It's definitely a lesson learned.
11/16/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I don't understand why people would sign up if they don't want to go through with the class. That seems like it would be wasting everyone's time. I'm not sure I understand the motivation behind doing that...
11/16/2011
Contributor: Beck Beck
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I don't understand why people would sign up if they don't want to go through with the class. That seems like it would be wasting everyone's time. I'm not sure I understand the motivation behind doing that...
I do not understand either. I have one right now, that I have not heard from since she sent the request and the only thing I was sent was a request. I have sent her 4 messages, but it has not been a week yet, so I am going to wait until the 19th, because that is the day I can accept students. If I have not heard from her I am canceling. I should of known, it is someone who is new and does not even have activity on their wall. That is another thing, check to see what is up on their wall, if it is not much than send a message before taking them on.
11/16/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Maybe they have good intentions and just get busy? One can hope...

Checking the wall is a good idea. I've just started doing that with people who follow me and noticed a lot of follows come from people with nothing other than a hundred favorite products and 200 people they're following. It's odd.
11/16/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I don't understand why people would sign up if they don't want to go through with the class. That seems like it would be wasting everyone's time. I'm not sure I understand the motivation behind doing that...
I believe you get points for activating the mentor program and submitting requests. Unfortunately some are just interested in the points.
11/16/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
I believe you get points for activating the mentor program and submitting requests. Unfortunately some are just interested in the points.
So someone is willing to waste someone's time for what equals ten cents? Sigh. That's sad.
11/16/2011
Contributor: Beck Beck
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
So someone is willing to waste someone's time for what equals ten cents? Sigh. That's sad.
It is sad, it really is a waste of time.
11/16/2011
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
I think you'd be a great mentor b/c I love reading your reviews and I know you put a lot of effort into them so I can see you giving great advice to those that want you to advise them.
11/22/2011
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I don't understand why people would sign up if they don't want to go through with the class. That seems like it would be wasting everyone's time. I'm not sure I understand the motivation behind doing that...
I always imagined that people signed up after signing up for EF. They're excited and all gung-ho and want toys and when that process takes more than 30 seconds, they forget all about it.
11/22/2011
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Although the mentor program has been positive for me, it hasn't been amazing. I've seen a few of my students become active and awesome reviewers but they didn't need a lot of help. I've struggled with others who have disappeared and I've had a bunch apply to be voted into advanced and cancel the program. It's a hit or miss, really.

I guess I also feel like I haven't necessarily helped people as much as I want. I say this because it seems like the folks who needed the most help were also the most stubborn about accepting suggestions and criticism. =/

With that said, I barely spend any time at all on it. I've never had more than one review at a time to read.
11/22/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
unfulfilled - Thanks! I signed up. We'll see how it goes!

Adriana Ravenlust - That's a much better answer than point farming. It's probably a combo of the two.

"It seems like the folks who needed the most help were also the most stubborn about accepting suggestions and criticism."

That's kinda what I've been worried about. Most people who are good/great know they can always get better. People who aren't so good think they are and don't want to hear otherwise. Hoping I don't run into that too much.
11/22/2011