How Can You Find Mentors to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey?

SPONSORED BY NEEDTOBEMARKETING

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU HUSTLE
By Shelly Leroux · May 14, 2025

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

How Can You Find Mentors to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey?

Hey there, fellow side hustler,

So, you’ve got the spark—that idea that won’t leave you alone during lectures, lunch breaks, or late-night scrolling sessions. Maybe you’ve even started building something: a podcast, an Etsy store, a freelance gig on the weekends. First of all, props to you. Starting is no small feat.

But here’s the plot twist every successful side hustler knows: you don’t have to go it alone.

That’s right. Even superheroes have mentors. (Peter Parker had Uncle Ben. Katniss had Haymitch. Harry had...basically every adult at Hogwarts except for Snape.) So if you’re trying to level up your side hustle game, it might be time to stop lone-wolfing it and start looking for your own guide.

Let’s talk about how to find the right mentor—one who can help you avoid the wrong turns, dodge rookie mistakes, and maybe even send a few golden opportunities your way.

Why Mentors Matter (Even If You're a DIY Devotee)

You might be thinking, “I’m good. I’ve got YouTube, TikTok, and Google—I can figure this out myself.” And sure, those platforms are great for learning what to do. But mentors? Mentors help you understand why and when to do it.

They’ve walked the path. They’ve got scars, stories, and strategies. A good mentor can offer the kind of context and insight that the algorithm just can’t replicate. Think of them as your side hustle GPS—real-time recalculations included.

Where Do You Even Find One?

Great question. The idea of “finding a mentor” can sound as intimidating as asking your crush to prom. But let’s break it down into something way more manageable.

1. Start With Who You Know

That cool professor who freelances on the side? The manager at your part-time job who runs a small business? The alumni guest speaker who built a brand from their dorm room? These are all potential mentors.

Reach out with genuine curiosity. Ask for a 20-minute chat over coffee (virtual or otherwise). Keep it light, ask smart questions, and if the conversation clicks, keep it going.

2. Join the Right Rooms (Even If They're Online)

Follow hashtags on LinkedIn and Instagram. Join Facebook groups or Discord communities dedicated to your hustle niche. Attend meetups, webinars, and networking events—even the awkward ones.

You never know who you’ll meet in a Zoom breakout room. Maybe your future mentor is one bad Wi-Fi connection away from changing your side hustle trajectory.

3. Slide Into DMs (Tactfully, Of Course)

Seen someone doing what you aspire to do? Don’t just double-tap their content—start a conversation. Compliment something specific they posted, share a thought, or ask a meaningful question.

The key is to be genuine, respectful, and patient. Relationships grow over time. Don’t ask for mentorship right away. Build a rapport first—then see where it goes.

What Makes a Great Mentor (and What Doesn’t)

The best mentors aren’t necessarily millionaires or LinkedIn celebrities. They’re people who:

• Have relevant experience

• Are willing to share their time and insights

• Respect your goals and values

• Challenge you without crushing your confidence

Watch out for red flags like know-it-alls who talk more than they listen, or people who seem more interested in building a fan club than supporting you.

How to Be a Good Mentee

Ah yes, the other half of the equation. Want to attract and keep a great mentor? Bring something to the table, too:

• Show up prepared

• Take initiative

• Follow through on advice

• Respect their time

Think of mentorship as a collaboration, not a free coaching service. You’re building a relationship, not booking a guru.

The Long Game

Finding the right mentor might take time. You might have a few different ones at different stages. Some will be career-specific, others more personal. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to find the one—it’s to surround yourself with voices that challenge, guide, and inspire you.

And here’s the beautiful part: one day, you’ll be that mentor for someone else. The student becomes the sensei. Full-circle vibes.

So go ahead. Start reaching out. Join that group. Send that message. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just the courage to ask, listen, and learn.

Your side hustle journey just got a whole lot more exciting.

Build something epic. 🚀✨