10 Online Mentoring Platforms To Find a Mentor

Staying Motivated
September 2, 2024
byCharlotte

Whatever new skills or activity you are learning, having the right mentor can make all the difference. Whether you’re building a business from scratch or starting a new hobby, finding someone who’s been there before can accelerate your growth and confidence. Here’s a guide to 10 online mentoring platforms—5 for professional and business development, and 5 for finding mentors in hobbies.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Online Mentoring Platforms

Before diving into the list, it’s important to recognize the key factors that make mentoring platforms effective:

Comprehensive Profiles: Good profiles help both mentees and mentors set expectations and make sure the connection is right from the start. You should be able to learn about your mentor’s background, skills, and communication style.
Strong Matching System: A platform’s ability to match you with a mentor who aligns with your goals and values is crucial. The best platforms offer several matching systems, including self-directed, administrative, and automated matching, which MentorCruise explains well in this blog post.
Long-Term Relationships: Mentoring doesn’t stop after the match. Mentoring Platforms that provide tools for continued communication, progress tracking, and feedback loops create a structure for ongoing growth.

Let’s get started.

Mentoring Platforms for Business & Professional

1. GrowthMentor

GrowthMentor connects you with vetted mentors who specialize in growth marketing, product development, and startup strategy. With its focus on real-world experience, you’re bound to find a mentor who understands your specific challenges. The platform’s matching system is a standout, and it also includes post-match collaboration tools, like chat and video calls. I have used the platform both as a mentor and a mentee, and I’ve always had a seamless experience. Their vetting system is strong, as they perform 1:1 interviews to select mentors who fit the platform’s mission and values. I’ve experienced it first-hand before being accepted as a mentor on the platform.

Best For: Startups, entrepreneurs, and growth hackers
Key Feature: Mentor recommendations based on detailed profiles and real-world expertise
Pricing: Light: $49/month ($103 paid quarterly) / $37/month ($309 paid yearly)–save 33%

2. Clarity.fm

Clarity.fm is all about connecting you with experts who can provide direct, actionable advice. With a pay-per-minute model, it’s perfect if you need quick, targeted guidance over the phone. You can search for mentors based on industry or specific challenges. The cost can pile up pretty quickly if you get scattered, so, make sure you get advice tailored to your needs.

Best For: Entrepreneurs, professionals seeking niche advice
Key Feature: On-demand calls with experts for real-time advice
Pricing: Premium pricing model with an average price per minute rate of above $5

3. Mentorcam

Mentorcam offers access to high-profile entrepreneurs, leaders, and influencers who are available to mentor via video calls. It’s a great place to connect with top professionals who are usually out of reach, providing insights into leadership, business growth, and personal development.

Best For: Aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals seeking inspiration from top names
Key Feature: Video messaging with prominent figures for personal advice
Pricing: $350-$850/month depending on the plan

4. Oneday

This platform is designed for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses quickly and sustainably. Oneday pairs you with mentors who’ve been through the startup process and can guide you through common pitfalls, while also offering advice on growth and scalability.

Best For: Startup founders, early-stage entrepreneurs
Key Feature: Focused on long-term mentorship and growth strategies
Pricing: £‎399/month for 18 months

5. MentorCruise

MentorCruise helps you find long-term mentors in tech, design, or business. The platform emphasizes fostering a supportive mentor-mentee relationship that extends beyond a few meetings. Whether you’re looking for help in coding or career advice in design, this platform offers affordable access to industry professionals.

Best For: Tech professionals, career changers, startup enthusiasts
Key Feature: Ongoing mentorship programs with a focus on long-term goals
Pricing: 7-day free trial; one-off session from $89; Mentors charge from $60 to $550/month

For a comprehensive list of professional mentoring platforms, I recommend this great post by GrowthMentor.

Mentoring Platforms for Hobbies

Finding a mentor for a hobby can be a bit more challenging online than in professional settings, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there. Let’s explore five platforms that will help you connect with potential hobby mentors.

1. Meetup

While Meetup isn’t strictly a mentoring platform, it offers endless opportunities to find mentors within local groups and events. From dance and photography to painting and personal development, Meetup connects people with similar interests. You might not immediately find a mentor, but by attending events and building relationships, you can find people who are willing to guide you. I dive into how to meet mentors where they are in my 101 guide to finding a mentor.

Best For: Anyone looking for local hobby communities
Key Feature: Easy access to hobby-specific events and groups
Pricing: Free for attendees

Pro Tip: Just recently, while revisiting Meetup for this article, I stumbled upon an event near me that aimed at helping shy people overcome their shyness in dancing. Unfortunately, the event had already passed, but I decided to reach out directly to the organizer to see if there might be future opportunities to meet or attend a similar event. Never forget—Fortune favors the bold!

2. Superprof

Superprof focuses on connecting learners with teachers across a wide range of subjects, including hobbies. Though it’s primarily for educational purposes, teachers often become mentors as they continue guiding you beyond initial lessons. Whether you’re looking to learn an instrument, improve your photography, or master a new language, Superprof is a solid option.

Best For: Learners looking for structured guidance in hobbies like music, art, or sports
Key Feature: Wide range of subjects
Pricing: 39€/month with often options for a discount (I paid 29€ for my first month, which gave me plenty of time to find the teachers I was looking for)

3. Tonebase

This is a niche platform for music enthusiasts looking to improve their instrumental skills. Tonebase offers access to video lessons by top-tier musicians, but it also has a community component where you can interact with these instructors, ask questions, and get personalized advice.

Best For: Aspiring musicians, especially those learning classical instruments
Key Feature: Direct access to world-class musicians for feedback and guidance
Pricing: 14-day free trial, followed by Monthly $50/mo, Yearly $299/year, Lifetime $895/once

4. Skillshare

Skillshare is mostly known for its video tutorials, but it also offers a community component where you can connect with instructors for more personalized help. You can reach out directly to instructors who offer courses in your hobbies and develop a mentor-like relationship.

Best For: Creative professionals, hobbyists in art, design, and more
Key Feature: Community and instructor interaction to build relationships over time
Pricing: 30 days Trial, then $29 USD/monthly OR $99 USD/ annually

5. Facebook Groups

Don’t underestimate Facebook Groups when it comes to finding mentors for hobbies. From niche interests to broader hobbies like painting or knitting, there’s likely a group for everything. Once you’re part of a community, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to members or group admins—they might just become your next mentor.

Best For: Niche hobbies with dedicated online communities
Key Feature: Easy access to a wide range of groups and passionate individuals
Pricing: Free

Finding a mentor, whether for professional growth or personal hobbies, is about building a relationship with someone who can guide you through your journey. While mentoring platforms provide the structure, remember that the real work comes in maintaining those relationships and being bold enough to take the first step. No one will create and keep the momentum for you!

Ready to find your mentor? Try out one of these platforms and start creating your own luck!