Business mentoring

Online business mentoring is a remote relationship between a mentor and a mentee. Some mentoring relationships are only online. Others mix face-to-face and online contact.

This type of mentoring is popular with people who prefer a more informal mentoring relationship. It also works well when mentors and mentees can't meet face to face, for example, due to geography.

How online business mentoring works

Business mentors use websites and dedicated mentoring apps where they share their knowledge and experience. The mentor applies to register as a mentor, is vetted by the provider, and then has their profile viewed by potential mentees.

The mentee is then free to contact the mentor. Once this relationship is established, it can become a more formal mentoring relationship.

Many mentoring platforms will let you search by topic or industry sector to find a mentor. You can also post a request and invite mentors to respond. This way, you can find those best placed to help you.

Sources of online business mentoring

Many online services offer business mentoring or networking. They target a specific sector, such as Freelance Advisor and Enterprise Nation. Young entrepreneurs can use Shell LiveWIRE. It is aimed at people aged 16 to 30 who are starting their own business. For more detailed information, see how to find a business mentor.