Why mentorship matters for freelancers and how to find a mentor

Freelance life brings freedom and flexibility — you can set your own hours, work from home, and find a rhythm that works best for you. However, running your own small business as a creative freelancer or solopreneur can also seem isolating at times. 

If you find yourself feeling lonely, stuck, or unsure of what direction to take your business in next, you might benefit from the support of a mentor. They say that two heads are better than one — and mentorship certainly shows this. Finding a mentor can be a wonderful way to keep you motivated, help you learn, and ultimately grow your business. 

The role of a mentor

Maybe you have a specific area you want guidance in — like navigating self-employed finances or growing your network. Or perhaps you’ve just set up your freelance business and could do with a general helping hand to get it off the ground. 

The good news is that mentors come in all shapes and sizes and can bring a host of benefits to your creative business, including:

  • Guidance and moral support: Lacking inspiration or confidence when it comes to running your freelance business? A mentor can give you the boost you need.

  • Accountability: In a similar vein, mentorship can keep you motivated by holding you responsible for your goals. This could be by setting regular check-ins, scheduling deadline reminders, and offering encouragement. An accountability buddy can be especially helpful for neurodiverse freelancers

  • Skill development: From sharing industry knowledge to teaching you a specific area of expertise, mentors can help you upskill.

  • Networking: For freelancers, networking can be invaluable. A well-connected mentor can introduce you to other freelancers, industry experts, and potential clients to help you grow your own professional circle.

Types of mentorship

So, how do you find a mentor? First, it’s worth deciding what level of formality you want. You can join a formal, structured programme or pair up with a mentor on a more casual basis. 

Both forms of mentoring can be equally as valuable for creative freelancers and solopreneurs. 

Mentorship programmes pair experienced individuals with those newer to the business to offer guidance. You can find mentoring schemes that will pair you with an expert in the field you need. They might be in your local area, or you may have your mentoring sessions virtually. Depending on the programme, you may need to pay, or funding might be available. 

Alternatively, your mentoring can be more informal — you might meet a mentor at a networking event, find them online, or they could be a friend who has a skillset your business could benefit from. 

Wondering where to start with finding a mentor? Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can be good places to start, as can both in-person and virtual networking groups.

Choosing the best mentor for your small business

It’s important to work with a mentor who you connect with and who aligns with your values.

Set out your goals and think about what you want a mentor to bring to the table. For example, 

if you have a particular area you want to develop or focus on — such as growth strategies, social media, or productivity, look for an expert in that field. A good mentor should challenge and inspire you, offering insights directly relevant to your industry.

Business support services from a Virtual Assistant

Mentorship can provide creative freelancers and small business owners with learning opportunities, guidance, and professional networks that you may not be able to access on your own.

If you’re looking for business support from a mentor who can keep you organised and motivated, Erin at Bizzybee is here to help. From breaking the cycle of procrastination to creative ideas sessions, these services are ideal for neurodiverse freelancers in need of support and accountability. 


Get in touch to learn more and see how mentoring can help your small business grow.

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