You Cannot Find A Mentor For Free. Did You Know That?

Updated: January 15, 2024
by TJ Salvatore

If you've always been employed, starting your own business is without a doubt, hard. We often hear people say, “Get yourself a mentor.” It's easy for them to say it - they've probably never had a mentor themselves. Because you can’t just find someone and expect them to guide you for free. You may need a mentor but mentors don't need you, right? Think about it:

  • Mentors are Busy: These experts are often caught up in their own work. They might not have the time to help someone for free.
  • Value Exchange: While you need their help, they might not need yours. As a newbie, it’s hard to offer something valuable in return to these seasoned pros, you know?
  • It’s Not Just About Taking: Relationships, especially in business, work best when both sides get something good out of it.

So, while finding a mentor sounds great, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems, is it?

You Cannot Find A Mentor For Free

Did You Know?

  • Mentee Success Rate: 70% of small businesses that receive mentoring survive more than five years – double the rate of non-mentored enterprises.
  • Increased Revenue: Mentored businesses report revenue growth 83% higher than non-mentored businesses.
  • Startup Survival: Around 80% of startups with mentors successfully navigate the initial phase of their business.
  • Mentor Influence: 92% of small business owners agree that mentors have a direct impact on the growth and survival of their business.
  • Employee Retention: Companies with mentorship programs have a 25% higher employee retention rate than those without.

Joining a Paid Business Community

Now, here’s a neat idea: joining a paid business community. This is like being part of a club where everyone's into growing their businesses. Here’s why this rocks:

  • Everyone's Learning Together: In these communities, people are sharing tips and experiences. It’s all about helping each other out.
  • Access to a Bunch of Experts: These communities often have a variety of experts. You get to learn from different people, each with their own cool skills.
  • Structured Learning: Many of these communities have set programs or paths to follow. It makes learning a whole lot easier, right?

Joining a community like this means you're not alone in your business journey. You’re part of a group where everyone's aiming to grow and succeed, you see?

Paying for Personalized Mentorship

Here’s where things get really interesting. Within these communities, you can often pay a bit extra to get personal mentoring from an expert of your choice. Think of it as getting a front-row seat in a class. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

  • Tailored Advice: This kind of mentoring is super focused on your business. It’s like having a guide who knows exactly where you need to go.
  • Deep Focus On Your Business: With personal mentoring, you can focus on the specific areas of your opportunities. It’s really all about you and your business.
  • Building a Stronger Connection: When you work closely with a mentor, you build a relationship. They get to know you and your business better, which means better advice, right?

Structured Learning

Structured Learning

When you join a paid community for online business mentorship, structured learning is a big plus, right? Here’s why it's so cool:

  • Clear Roadmap: These communities often have a set curriculum. This means you don't have to guess what to learn next. You follow the roadmap, and it guides you through all the necessary steps.
  • Progress Tracking: It's easier to see how far you've come when there's a structure in place. You can tick off the topics you've covered and feel good about your progress, you know?
  • Tailored Content: The learning materials in these communities are usually tailored to fit the needs of the group. This means the content is relevant and focused on what you need to learn to grow your business.
  • Expert-Led Sessions: Often, these structured programs are led by experts who know their stuff. They guide you through the learning process, making sure you're on the right track.

With this structured approach, you don't have to worry about missing out on key information or wondering what to learn next. Everything is laid out for you, isn't it?

Did You Know?

  • Promotion Rates: Employees who receive mentorship are promoted 5 times more often than those who do not.
  • Women in Business: 89% of women entrepreneurs who have a mentor say their businesses are profitable, compared to 68% of those without a mentor.
  • Entrepreneur Confidence: 84% of entrepreneurs with a mentor feel confident about their future business prospects.
  • Mentor Satisfaction: 97% of individuals with a mentor say the relationship is valuable.
  • Leadership Development: 71% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs, highlighting its importance in leadership development.

Access to Various Experts

Access to Various Experts

One of the coolest things about paid communities is the variety of experts you can learn from. Here's what makes this aspect really stand out:

  • Diverse Expertise: In a paid community, you're not just learning from one person. You have access to a whole bunch of experts, each with their own specialties. This means you get to learn different types of strategies from people who are the best in their specialized fields.
  • New Perspectives: Each expert brings their own unique perspective and experience. This can open your eyes to new ideas and ways of doing things in your business.
  • Q&A Sessions: Many paid communities offer Q&A sessions with these experts. You can ask them questions directly and get personalized advice, which is super helpful, right?

Having access to various experts means you're not just getting a one-size-fits-all type of learning. You’re getting a rich, diverse educational experience, you see?

CyberCash Wonderland

Mentor ATM
"Daddy, are you really my mentor?"
"Right, today's lesson. How to turn your mentor into your ATM. Oh wait, you already excel at the skill."

Networking with Peers

Networking with peers in these communities is like finding a goldmine of opportunities and support. Here’s what makes it so great:

  • Shared Learning: When you’re part of a community, everyone's learning together. You can share experiences, tips, and tricks with each other. This shared learning environment can be incredibly valuable.
  • Support System: Building a business can be tough, but it's easier when you have a group of people who are in the same boat. They understand the challenges you’re facing and can offer support and advice.
  • Collaboration Opportunities: You might meet people in the community who you can collaborate with. Maybe they have a skill you need or vice versa. These collaborations can lead to new business opportunities, you know?

Did You Know?

  • Networking Opportunities: 76% of people think mentors are important, but only 37% have one, suggesting a gap in networking opportunities.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Mentorship programs increase representation and inclusivity in management by 24%.
  • Career Satisfaction: Employees with mentors report higher job satisfaction rates, typically around 91%.
  • Skill Enhancement: 87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered by their mentoring relationships and have developed greater confidence.
  • Business Planning: 69% of startups with a mentor implement a working business plan, compared to 47% without mentorship.

Extra Sessions with Speciality Mentors

Extra Sessions with Speciality Mentors

Choosing to pay for extra sessions with specific mentors within a community is like getting a VIP backstage pass at a concert, isn't it? Here’s what makes these sessions so valuable:

  • Personalized Advice: In these sessions, the advice you get is tailored just for you and your business. It's like having a business coach who focuses solely on your needs.
  • Deeper Understanding: Since these sessions are more in-depth, you get to dive deeper into complex topics. This means you’re not just scratching the surface; you’re really getting to the heart of the matter.
  • Building a Closer Relationship: When you spend more time with a mentor, you build a closer, more personal relationship. This can lead to better understanding and more tailored guidance, you know?
  • Focus on Specific Challenges: You can use these sessions to focus on particular challenges or opportunities in your business. It's a chance to really zoom in on what matters most to you.

These sessions are a great way to supplement the broader learning you get in the community, right?

Resources and Tools

The resources and tools provided in these communities are like having a treasure chest of goodies for your business. They can really make a difference. Here’s how:

  • Templates and Guides: These communities often provide templates, guides, and checklists that can save you a ton of time. They're like shortcuts to getting things done right.
  • Access to Exclusive Content: Members usually get access to special content like webinars, ebooks, and case studies. This content can give you insights that you wouldn't find just browsing the internet, you see?
  • Software and Tool Discounts: Sometimes, these communities have partnerships with software companies, which means you might get discounts on tools that can help your business grow.

Having these resources at your fingertips makes managing and growing your business a bit easier, doesn't it?

CyberCash Wonderland

Hit Me Harder
Student: "Is this how I assert dominance?"
Mentor: "More like how you get sued..."

Feedback and Support

Regular feedback and support from mentors and community members can be a game changer for your business. It's like having a team of cheerleaders and coaches all in one. Here’s what’s great about it:

  • Objective Insights: Sometimes you’re too close to your business to see things clearly. Feedback from others can provide objective insights that you might have missed.
  • Moral Support: Knowing that there are people who believe in you and your business can be a huge morale booster, especially on tough days.
  • Accountability: When you share your goals and progress with the community, it creates a sense of accountability. It's easier to stay on track when you know others are rooting for you, right?

This kind of environment helps you stay motivated, definitely.

Did You Know?

  • Risk Management: Mentored entrepreneurs are better at risk assessment and management, reducing failure rates by up to 18%.
  • International Expansion: Businesses with mentorship are 20% more likely to experience international growth.
  • Innovation Boost: Mentorship leads to a 22% increase in the development of new products and services.
  • Social Responsibility: Businesses with mentorship programs are 50% more likely to engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  • Long-Term Success: Long-term mentorship leads to a 24% increase in business growth and longevity over a 2-year period.

Commitment

When you invest money into a paid community, your level of commitment tends to increase. It's like buying a gym membership; you're more likely to use it because you've paid for it. Here’s why this commitment matters:

  • Higher Engagement: When you’ve paid for something, you’re more likely to engage fully. You want to get your money’s worth, after all.
  • Taking It Seriously: Investing money is a signal to yourself that you’re serious about growing your business. It’s a commitment to your own success.
  • Focused Effort: With money on the line, you’re more likely to put in the effort needed to make the most of the learning and networking opportunities available in the community.

So, paying for a community often leads to a more focused and dedicated approach to learning and growing your business, doesn’t it?

Paid Business Mentorship

Let's Find Our About Yourself

1. What is your primary goal for seeking mentorship?

  • A) Career advancement
  • B) Skill development
  • C) Networking opportunities
  • D) Personal growth

2. What kind of mentorship format do you prefer?

  • A) One-on-one meetings
  • B) Group sessions
  • C) Virtual meetings
  • D) A combination of formats

3. How often would you like to meet with your mentor?

  • A) Weekly
  • B) Bi-weekly
  • C) Monthly
  • D) As needed

4. What is the most important quality you are looking for in a mentor?

  • A) Experience in your field
  • B) Willingness to provide honest feedback
  • C) Accessibility and availability
  • D) Inspirational and motivational qualities

5. What level of involvement do you expect from your mentor?

  • A) High involvement (regular check-ins, assignments, feedback)
  • B) Moderate involvement (occasional guidance and advice)
  • C) Low involvement (available for questions, but not proactive)
  • D) Flexible (depends on current needs)

6. What industry or field should your mentor be experienced in?

  • A) The same industry/field as yours
  • B) A related or complementary field
  • C) Any field (looking for general mentorship)
  • D) Not sure yet

7. What duration do you envision for your mentorship relationship?

  • A) Short-term (up to 3 months)
  • B) Medium-term (3 to 6 months)
  • C) Long-term (6 months or more)
  • D) Indefinite/ongoing

8. What key outcomes do you hope to achieve through mentorship?

  • A) Clear career or business plan
  • B) Improved leadership or technical skills
  • C) A broader professional network
  • D) Enhanced self-confidence and personal insight

9. How do you prefer to receive feedback from your mentor?

  • A) Direct and straightforward
  • B) Constructive with specific examples
  • C) Written feedback for reflection
  • D) In-person discussion

10. What would make you consider a mentorship successful?

  • A) Achieving a specific goal or milestone
  • B) Gaining valuable insights and advice
  • C) Developing a lasting professional relationship
  • D) Feeling more confident and prepared for the future

Answers

1. Primary Goal for Seeking Mentorship

  • A) Career Advancement: Focus on finding a mentor with a successful track record in climbing the career ladder within your industry. They should be able to offer strategic advice on professional development and navigating workplace dynamics.

  • B) Skill Development: Look for a mentor who excels in the specific skills you wish to develop. This could be technical abilities, leadership skills, or other professional competencies. A mentor who is also a good teacher can be invaluable.

  • C) Networking Opportunities: A well-connected mentor can introduce you to key contacts. Seek someone who is not only established in your field but also actively involved in professional communities.

  • D) Personal Growth: Choose a mentor who you admire for their personal qualities as much as their professional achievements. This mentor should be someone who inspires you and can guide you in broader life skills and decision-making.

2. Mentorship Format Preference

  • A) One-on-one Meetings: This format allows for personalized guidance. Ensure your mentor is willing to commit the time and focus needed for individual sessions.

  • B) Group Sessions: Ideal for those who thrive on interaction with peers. Look for mentors who lead group mentorship programs or workshops, which can also be a great way to network.

  • C) Virtual Meetings: If you prefer flexibility or your ideal mentor isn't local, focus on those open to mentoring via video calls. Ensure they are tech-savvy and comfortable communicating digitally.

  • D) A Combination of Formats: Be clear about your expectations for variety in mentoring sessions. Your mentor should be flexible and capable of engaging effectively in multiple formats.

3. Frequency of Meetings

  • A) Weekly: This is intensive, so ensure your mentor has the time and enthusiasm to commit. It's ideal for fast-paced goals.

  • B) Bi-weekly: A balanced approach that allows time for you to apply learnings between meetings. Your mentor should help set actionable goals for these intervals.

  • C) Monthly: Suitable for long-term, broad objectives. Choose a mentor who can provide substantial insights in less frequent, but more in-depth sessions.

  • D) As Needed: Opt for a mentor comfortable with a flexible schedule, likely someone who values autonomy and self-direction in their mentees.

4. Most Important Mentor Quality

  • A) Experience in Your Field: Target mentors who have a proven track record and deep understanding of your industry to provide relevant insights and guidance.

  • B) Honest Feedback: Look for someone known for their integrity and willingness to provide constructive criticism to foster your growth.

  • C) Accessibility and Availability: Choose a mentor who is not over-committed and can offer you the time and attention you need.

  • D) Inspirational Qualities: Seek out a mentor whose life and achievements inspire you. Their journey and attitude towards challenges can motivate you to reach your goals.

5. Level of Involvement Expected

  • A) High Involvement: Ensure your mentor is prepared for a hands-on approach, including setting tasks and actively monitoring your progress.

  • B) Moderate Involvement: Look for mentors who provide guidance and resources but encourage you to take the initiative in your learning and development.

  • C) Low Involvement: Ideal for self-starters. Your mentor should be someone who provides insights when asked but trusts you to navigate your path.

  • D) Flexible: Communicate your varying needs upfront. Your mentor should be adaptable and supportive of shifting goals and involvement levels.

6. Mentor's Industry or Field

  • A) Same Industry/Field: This ensures mentorship is highly relevant and tailored. Your mentor should have current knowledge and experience in your specific area of interest.

  • B) Related or Complementary Field: This can offer fresh perspectives and broaden your understanding. Choose a mentor who can bridge the gap between different areas effectively.

  • C) Any Field: Focus on finding a mentor who excels in universal skills such as leadership, innovation, or resilience, which can be applied in any context.

  • D) Not Sure Yet: A mentor with a broad range of experiences and a flexible approach can help you explore various paths and discover your interests.

7. Duration of Mentorship Relationship

  • A) Short-term: Ideal for specific, immediate goals. Choose a mentor who is results-oriented and can provide focused, intensive guidance.

  • B) Medium-term: Suitable for achieving a significant milestone. Your mentor should be someone committed to seeing a process through with you.

  • C) Long-term: Look for a mentor interested in building a lasting relationship, offering ongoing support and advice as you grow.

  • D) Indefinite/Ongoing: This requires a mentor comfortable with evolving roles over time, from teacher to advisor to perhaps even a colleague.

8. Key Outcomes Hoped to Achieve

  • A) Clear Career or Business Plan: Your mentor should excel in strategic planning and goal setting, helping you to outline a clear path forward.

  • B) Improved Skills: Seek a mentor who has both the expertise and the teaching ability to help you develop the desired skills effectively.

  • C) A Broader Professional Network: Choose a mentor who is well-connected and willing to actively introduce you to new contacts.

  • D) Enhanced Self-confidence: Opt for a mentor who is supportive and positive, focusing on building your strengths and overcoming weaknesses.

9. Preference for Receiving Feedback

  • A) Direct and Straightforward: Your mentor should be comfortable with clear, honest communication and able to deliver feedback in a straightforward manner.

  • B) Constructive with Specific Examples: Look for a mentor skilled in providing detailed feedback that includes actionable advice and examples.

  • C) Written Feedback: Ideal for those who prefer time to reflect. Your mentor should be willing to articulate their thoughts and suggestions in writing.

  • D) In-person Discussion: Choose a mentor who values dialogue and is available for face-to-face conversations, fostering a more personal connection.

10. Considerations for a Successful Mentorship

  • A) Achieving a Specific Goal: Ensure your mentor is goal-oriented and focused on measurable outcomes, able to keep you on track toward achieving your objectives.

  • B) Gaining Valuable Insights: Look for a mentor with a wealth of experience and wisdom to share, offering you deeper insights into your field or personal growth.

  • C) Developing a Lasting Professional Relationship: Your mentor should be someone you respect and connect with on a professional and personal level, interested in a long-term engagement.

  • D) Feeling More Confident: Choose a mentor who boosts your confidence by recognizing your progress, challenging you appropriately, and celebrating your successes.

List of Paid Business Communities

Here are a few communities that are often recommended:

Wealthy Affiliate

Known for its focus on affiliate marketing, Wealthy Affiliate offers extensive training, support from a large community, and tools for building and hosting websites. It's a good choice if you're interested in affiliate marketing and building online businesses from scratch.

Wealthy Affiliate has a free starter membership, but its Premium membership costs around $49 per month or $495 per year. They also offer a Premium Plus membership, which is approximately $99 per month or $995 per year.

Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)

EO is designed for entrepreneurs who have substantial business experience. It's a global network offering mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and shared experiences among successful business owners.

Membership fees for EO can vary significantly based on your location and the specific chapter you join. On average, the annual dues can be several thousand dollars, often in the range of $4,000 - $7,000.

YEC (Young Entrepreneur Council)

If you're a young entrepreneur, YEC offers a good mix of networking, resources, and mentorship. It’s an invite-only community but is well-regarded for its quality networking opportunities and learning resources.

YEC is an invite-only community, and membership fees are reportedly around $1,000 annually, but this can vary based on certain factors or changes in their pricing structure.

Vistage

This is a coaching organization for business executives and offers a blend of one-to-one mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. It's ideal for those in leadership positions looking to grow their businesses and develop professionally.

The cost of joining Vistage varies depending on the program and region. It can range from approximately $12,000 to $20,000 per year.

DigitalMarketer Lab

If you're focused on digital marketing, this is a great community. It offers a library of marketing resources, certification courses, and a community of marketers to network with.

The basic membership for DigitalMarketer Lab is around $95 per month, and there’s an option for an annual subscription as well, which might offer some savings.

Mastermind.com by Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi

This platform focuses on creating and selling masterminds. It's great for those looking to build and monetize their expertise.

The cost for accessing Mastermind.com can vary based on the specific courses or resources you choose. Prices for their courses and programs typically start in the range of a few hundred dollars and can go up significantly for more comprehensive offerings.

SCORE

Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE offers mentoring to small business owners. While not a traditional paid community, it does offer valuable mentorship and training resources, often for free or at a low cost.

SCORE primarily offers free mentoring and workshops, but some in-depth training or seminars might have a nominal fee, usually to cover materials or administrative costs. However, these costs are generally low and vary by location and workshop.

About the Author

A freelancer. A nomad. An LGBTQ and animal rights activist. Love meeting new people, exploring new styles of living, new technologies and gadgets, new ways of making money.

Thank you for your Comments!

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  1. I’ve been learning SEO but I just get confused more and more. I would like to have a mentor for free that that person to help me make thousands of dollars each month at least. But it’s really hard to find someone for free.

  2. I read what you wrote and I think your writing’s fine, but your content is just wrong. You claim you can’t find a mentor for free? That’s just lazy thinking. Of course, you can. You just need to actually make an effort, get out there, and talk to people. It’s not rocket science. There are plenty of people willing to teach you skills without charging a dime. You just need to stop making excuses and start looking. It’s about putting in the work, something you clearly haven’t considered. Your defeatist attitude is not helping anyone, least of all yourself. So, instead of spreading misinformation, maybe try a bit of real effort for a change.

  3. Thank you for the great post. I agree you need a mentor to take you through if you want to start a good business online.
    I’ve been hearing about Wealthy Affiliate for a while now, mainly through some friends who were part of it. They mentioned the cost being a bit steep for them, especially since they weren’t really seeing any financial returns, so they eventually decided to move on. Despite this, I genuinely believe Wealthy Affiliate has a lot of legitimacy.

    The reason I’m so interested is because I have a real passion for writing, and the idea of diving into affiliate marketing really excites me. I see it as a fantastic opportunity to blend my love for writing with the potential to earn.

    I just wanted to extend a huge thank you for the detailed and helpful information you’ve shared on this page. It’s given me a much clearer understanding and has been incredibly useful as I consider taking this step. Your insights are greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

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