Your guide to Experts-in-Residence
Thinking of booking a session with one of our experts? Here’s everything you need to know.
Getting started
First of all, have you been approved by a member of the ELab team to access our experts-in-residence service?
If you haven’t, you just need to check you’re eligible.
If you have, you’ll need to complete the form that we sent you, so we can add you to our Experts-in-Residence mailing list. Not received your form yet? Please send an email to Jessie Gao and she’ll send it out to you.
Booking a session
Keep an eye on your inbox for our weekly email. This is where we list all the available slots that coming up.
We normally send out emails every Monday or Tuesday (Please note that we don’t send out emails during college closure days or public holidays.)
You’ll start receiving the email a week after you submit your application. If you don’t see it after that time, check your spam inbox first, and email us if it’s not there.
All available slots are listed up to one month in advance. The email will include booking links which will take you to the relevant expert’s Calendly page. Select a slot, enter your details and tell us what you would like to discuss with the Expert during the session, so we can brief the expert before they meet you.
Slots can go quickly so make sure you’ve familiarised yourself with our experts/have an idea of which subject areas you’d like to learn more about:
- Business Coaching
- Fundraising & Investment
- Commercialisation
- Strategy
- Business Development
- Product Development
- Legal & Intellectual Property
- Pitching & Selling
- Marketing
- People Management
- Founder Advice
If you see an expert you want to speak with, don’t hesitate to book. We monitor bookings so please be fair to your other founders and only book sessions you truly feel you’ll benefit from.
If there’s a specific expert you’d like to connect with, but don’t see on the list, let us know. Not all experts listed on the website hold monthly sessions, but we’re happy to check if they have any upcoming slots in the next few months.
If you have something specific or urgent to discuss, please give us some background and context, and we’ll see if we can arrange something. If we can’t find an available slots that fit your needs, we’ll do our best to find another way to support you.
Booking Business Coaching sessions with Janet Murray & Peter Haycocks
Janet and Peter normally hold sessions every month, and you need to choose either Janet or Peter as your business coach. You can’t see both at the same time.
Due to popular demand, you can only book one session per month with them.
Session etiquette
Experts-in-Residence is a powerful resource built on generosity and collaboration. Our experts are offering their time voluntarily, so we ask you to acknowledge this by being respectful at all times. Use it wisely – be prepared, and stay open to learning.
Can’t make the session? Let us know straight away
No-shows have a significant impact. Experts often prepare in advance and have made time in their schedule for your session.
A last-minute cancellation also means a fellow founder who needs help misses out.
Be on time
If you’re running late, please let the Expert know (their email address is usually listed on Calendly). If you don’t see any contact info, please email Jessie Gao).
Tech issues?
Wait 5 minutes. If you’re still experiencing difficulties, then contact us.
Have your camera on, if possible:
It helps build rapport. If you can’t have your camera on, just let your expert know as a courtesy.
Want to record the session? Ask for permission
Our events, talks, and programmes may be recorded, but Expert-in-Residence sessions are private conversations, so you need to ask for consent before recording the expert’s insights.
Making the most of your session
How to get maximum value from your time with your expert!
Prepare for your session
- Check if you need to send any materials to the expert ahead of your session. If this is a requirement, you’ll find more information on the expert’s Calendly page, your calendar invite, and the reminders we’ll send you via Calendly.
- Make sure you find an appropriate space for your session (quiet with no distractions) where you’ll feel comfortable and can have your camera on.
- Have a clear and realistic idea of what you want to ask the expert. If you’re sending materials in advance, let them know of any specific areas you’d like help with. If you’re meeting with legal experts, be mindful that there’s only so much advice they can reasonably provide in the context of these sessions.
Be punctual
- Sessions are short so every minute counts! Make sure you’ve checked that you can log on to the session and are ready to go at your designated time.
- We appreciate that things happen though, so if you’re running late or are having problems joining the session, please let the Expert know directly (their email address will be on their Calendly page). If you can’t find it, please contact Jessie Gao ([email protected]) or Amy McDonnell ([email protected]) and they’ll contact the expert on your behalf.
Take notes
- Just like a lecture, taking notes will ensure you have a record of ideas, suggestions and important talking points. This will help you progress further with your venture!
Keeping in touch
You’re welcome to enquire about further guidance outside the Experts-in-Residence Service, or even hiring them.
Arranging ongoing guidance is your responsibility, but please let us know if you reach any kind of agreement with an expert.
- Any follow-on arrangement must come from the founder and not the expert.
- When asking about follow-up discussions, please check how the expert would like to keep in touch (LinkedIn/Email/WhatsApp)
- If the expert has agreed to help you outside of session time for no fee, please get in touch with them in a timely fashion and be patient while arranging a time to meet.
Post-session feedback
Your constructive feedback on the Experts-in-Residence will help us ensure the service is the best it can be. Please use our anonymous feedback form to tell us how your session went.