Has SCORE helped you? Return the favor!

Has SCORE helped you? Return the favor!


How one SCORE mentor was encouraged to join by a special client

SCORE is a volunteer organization that has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.

Have you worked with a SCORE mentor that helped you? If so, here’s your chance to help SCORE. You probably know someone who would be a good candidate. Here’s a real-world example of that.

Dennis Daniel is a new SCORE mentor. He had contact with SCORE many years ago, but did not join as a mentor until he was encouraged by a special SCORE client - his own daughter. 

For background, Dennis is a seasoned IT leader with over four decades of experience in strategic leadership, information technology management, and in startups. As an Executive Member of the John Maxwell Leadership Certified team, he specializes in building high-performing teams and addressing complex business and technology integration challenges through innovative strategies, effective communication, and leadership development. 

Prayson: Dennis, your daughter got you re-engaged with SCORE. What is her business and how did SCORE help her?

Dennis: She got a degree from NCSU in genetics and then was working as an embryologist. After developing expertise in the field and a presence in social media she got an opportunity to participate in starting a new business. She needed to work on a business plan, and she hadn’t done that before. Her research on writing business plans led her to SCORE.

Prayson: You told me that you had previous information about SCORE from a long time ago. But it was your daughter that got you involved now. What did she say to encourage you to join SCORE? 

Dennis: The transition of your child to being an adult is very interesting - for both sides. For her, it’s a big change from just listening to the person who told you to go to bed and eat your vegetables. You know you want to give some advice, but you don't know how to do it. We were talking about her business plan, and she told me about using business model canvas and other modern tools. I've used the traditional business planning tools, but this was some new info she got from SCORE. Then she told me I was giving her as much insight as she got from her SCORE mentor. She said I should think about joining SCORE and sharing that expertise with others. My initial reaction was “yeah, right, sounds good, maybe later.” 

During National Small Business Week I took a few of the virtual summit webinars. Before and after each one there was a notice about SCORE needing mentors. I took it as a sign that I should take her advice, and decided to apply.

Prayson: The business plan was the initial point of discussion with your daughter. But you've got much broader experience than that. What are the assets that you're bringing to SCORE? How will they help our clients?

Dennis: I left my company back in December and have been looking at a variety of opportunities. I have a varied background and could say that I am a serial entrepreneur. I've always been involved in small organizations, and I like them. You get hands-on involvement in a variety of activities, such as growth, business development, and operations. 

I have also been successful in corporate America and have gone through the ranks. Starting on the front line, moving into supervisory roles, and then learning to be a senior leader managing teams and budgets. I also bring the understanding and experience of what it takes to really make something successful and profitable. And I understand how to overcome failure.

Prayson: Dennis, thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sure your knowledge and experience will be an asset for our clients.

And for our readers, please think about who in your life might be a good candidate for SCORE. Please reach out to them and encourage them to look into joining SCORE and sharing their expertise.



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