You're My Hero How to be a mentor to your employees

Years ago, Chris Talarico vowed that if she ever owned abusiness, she would not treat her employees the way her formeremployers had treated her-often insensitively, authoritatively andwithout regard for her professional or personal development. Today,the 35-year-old entrepreneur owns two employment agencies in WestReading, Pennsylvania--Chris Talarico and Associates Inc.Employment Services and Reliable Personnel Resources-which she runswith the help of 13 staffers. Despite the passage of years and herbusy schedule, Talarico still takes her old vow seriously. Sheemphasizes teamwork and having fun on the job: The boss has beenknown to reward hard work by sending her whole staff on anall-expenses-paid trip to a day spa or by whisking them off in achauffeured limousine to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where eachemployee receives $100 to spend as he or she chooses.

Talarico also believes in acting as a mentor to her staff,guiding their professional development and even taking a hands-onapproach to personal problems. When an employee needed an apartmentfast, Talarico was on the phone that same day, helping to find hera place to live. "We work like a family here," Talaricosays. "I feel that if I work with each person, the team willbenefit and, ultimately, the business will grow. Also, helpingothers can enhance my own skills."

For young entrepreneurs immersed in the daily frenzy of tryingto build a business, mentoring others may seem like a frivolous useof time. Besides, aren't mentors supposed to have a few silverthreads in their hair and plenty of experience under their belt?Not necessarily, says Chip Bell, senior partner with PerformanceResearch Associates Inc., a Dallas international consulting firmthat helps businesses create an environment of learning andloyalty. Entrepreneurs of any age can mentor-that is, helpemployees to learn. Far from being a time-waster, effectivementoring can give a growing business a competitive edge. Considerit an investment of time and a way to create a solid foundation forthe business.