Business mentoring

Online business mentoring is a remote relationship between a mentor and mentee. Some mentoring relationships are exclusively online, while others can involve a mixture of 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 it's difficult for mentors and mentees to meet face to face, eg for geographical reasons.

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. There is no reason why once this relationship is established it can't turn into 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, so that you can identify those who are best placed to help you.

Sources of online business mentoring

There are many online services offering business mentoring or networking services targeted at a specific sector, such as Freelance Advisor and Enterprise Nation. Young entrepreneurs can use the Shell LiveWIRE service, which is aimed at people aged between 16 and 30 who are starting their own business.  For more detailed information see how to find a business mentor.