If you're preparing to launch your program, it's an exciting time! However, we understand why it might seem intimidating to click the launch button from your dashboard. But this checklist will help you make sure that you haven't missed any key steps leading up to the launch of your mentoring program. Keep it handy for a quick check or read on for more information on each step:
Decide your program architecture
Although not a requirement to launch, it's best practice to take some time getting clear on key decisions relating to your 'program architecture'. By this, we mean:
- Purpose
- Population
- Timeline and recruitment style
- Matching styles and criteria
Having a clear plan will ensure ensure your time and efforts are spent efficiently and effectively, ultimately executing a successful program launch.
Beyond launch, your dashboard will help you effectively prioritize your time, however, you may also want to map out some key dates or events in the future if your program demands so, for example for the closing of loops or another recruitment effort.
It doesn't have to take you long - check out our tips on how to run a program in just 30 minutes per week which features an example timeline that helps avoid overwhelm by focusing on the task at hand.
Prep your promotional materials
If the type of program you're running is for a specific group/cohort and isn't open to all, now would be good time to start collating a list of people that you would want to invite, so that you can invite them to join straight away once launched.
Alternatively, if you're opening up your program for anyone to join, have a think about how you're going to recruit participants and promote your program.
Marketing your program may feel like a big task, but it can be done really effectively without it taking up too much time or effort. Check out our Program Marketing and Recruitment Guide for guidance through every step of the process, or download our media kit which includes:
- Slide deck for you to use to host a launch event: An introduction to Mentoring with Mentorloop
- Web banner templates
- Social tile templates
- Email templates
- Poster/Flyer templates
Finalize program builder and settings
Before you can launch, head to your dashboard and double check that you have completed the required steps in Program Builder. Need some help? Check out our guide to Mentorloop Pro's program builder.
This feature is available on the Mentorloop Pro Package
You won't be able to launch and exit demo mode until all required steps have been fully completed.
Once launched, you won't be able to make any further changes to your signup form, so take the time now to make sure you're happy with the final version.
Then, navigate to your program settings, to see further customize your program, including:
- Limit the amount of match requests a participant can send at once (relevant for Self Match programs only)
- Update your signup form welcome message
- Customize the program coordinator loop introduction and new match email notification messages
- Add a dashboard welcome message
- Customize your Recommended Reading
Practice using Mentorloop in demo mode
Before launch, your program is in demo mode. This means that it is populated with sample data, allowing you to explore Mentorloop as it if was live and practice using Mentorloop's features, such as:
- Create loops
- Message participants
- View sentiment data
- Explore the Program Coordinator dashboard widgets
You can also test out what Mentorloop is like for participants joining your program by inviting and creating up to three participant test accounts. Just navigate to your program dropdown menu at the top of your dashboard and invite your test participants to preview the registration process and access their own demo environment.
Note that once launched, all demo data and participant test accounts will be permanently deleted and your program will be live.