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How to Find the Right YouTube Mentor for Your Channel

As a creator you've probably toyed with the idea of seeking guidance from a YouTube mentor. But is this right for you? And how do you hire someone who will actually help you?

As a creator navigating the vast expanse of YouTube, you've likely encountered the tantalizing prospect of seeking guidance from a YouTube mentor. Perhaps you've reached a point where you realize the value of external support in navigating the complexities of content creation. But in the sea of messages in a bottle that is the internet, how do you discern which mentor is the right fit for your unique journey? Let's embark on this quest together, exploring the intricacies of finding the perfect YouTube coach tailored to your aspirations.

The Quest for the Ideal YouTube Mentor

For many creators, the decision to seek mentorship marks a pivotal moment in their YouTube journey. It signifies a willingness to acknowledge the need for guidance and expertise beyond one's own capabilities. However, embarking on this quest raises a crucial question: Do you need a mentor in the first place?

Defining Your Content Goals

To unravel the enigma of finding the perfect YouTube mentor, one must first embark on a journey of self-discovery, and most of all self-awareness. It's not merely about identifying a YouTube mentor; it's about delineating your content goals with precision and clarity. Without a clear understanding of what you want, any mentorship endeavor risks veering off course, or worse, being wasted time and resources.

So here's my cold take on the whole thing: to know which YouTube mentor is good for you, you first have to define your goals to and absurd degree. This hypothesis serves as the compass guiding your quest for the ideal YouTube Mentor. Because again, you mignt not need one in the first place.

Tips for Defining Content Goals

Take a moment to reflect on your content objectives, your work ethic, and your current life satisfaction and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the overarching theme or message of my channel?
    • Am I happy with that message or would I like to communicate something more, less, or entirely different?
  • Who is my target audience, and what are their preferences?
    • Am satisfied with these demographics or would I like something to change?
  • What are my short-term and long-term goals?
    • Be broad and exhaustive, not every goal has to be quantifiable or about growth. Really thing about what YOU want.
  • How do I envision my channel evolving over time?
  • What is my creator endgame?
    • Do you see these as route to early retirement, or leveraging your audience to other creator endevours (eg. documentary filmaking, acting, writing, etc.), do you see yourself doing something similar to this well into you 80s. Don't be ashamed of anything, just write down what you feel is your end goal.

By meticulously outlining your content goals, you lay the foundation for a fruitful mentorship journey.

Navigating YouTube Mentorship in Two Anecdotes

In my journey as a content creator and YouTube mentor, I've encountered a myriad of digital creatives seeking guidance in their YouTube endeavors. Some were eager for mentorship, while others hesitated, unsure of their goals or the value of external assistance.

One notable example is a creator who approached me seeking mentorship but lacked clarity regarding their content direction. Recognizing the importance of defining their goals first, I steered them towards reputable resources like VidIQ and AirMedia Tech, platforms geared towards content optimization and strategy. Surprisingly, this redirection proved immensely beneficial, aligning with their needs. Not only that but having done that brought clarity about what they wanted and ended up hiring me afterwards as their YouTube mentor.

Conversely, another creator approached me frustrated by their stagnant channel growth despite their best efforts. Through personalized mentorship focused on accountability and long-term planning, they experienced a remarkable transformation. Not only in number but in the relatioship with their audience as well. The structured guidance and support provided the catalyst they needed to thrive in the competitive landscape of YouTube.

The Role of Organization, Follow-through, and Je Ne Sais Quoi

Reflecting on these experiences, I've come to a profound realization: the efficacy of YouTube mentorship hinges not only on the mentor's expertise but also on the creator's organizational skills and execution capabilities.

Creators who demonstrate a penchant for organization and follow-through may find themselves better equipped to navigate the YouTube landscape independently. In such cases, a YouTube mentor can yield best results for these types of creator when their goals are qualitative. For example, pivoting to or opening a new vertical, navigating bad actors in their communities, leveraging their audience for other outlets, etc.

Conversely, creators who struggle with organization or require additional accountability may benefit immensely from YouTube mentorship right of the bat. A skilled mentor can provide the guidance, structure, and motivation necessary to propel them towards their goals with cultivating a culture of resilience and determination within the creator.

Now with this knowledge and clarity on you goals its easy to find your right mentor. Set up calls with prospects (you can book me by filling this questionaire here, thank you very much) and see if their style, knowledge, background alligns with your goals. It's that easy.

Completing the Quest for Mentorship is the Start of the Journey

The quest for the right YouTube mentor is a multifaceted journey characterized by introspection, discernment, and alignment of goals. Solutions abound, from agencies offering representation to YouTube mentorship programs providing a form of creator therapy. However, the key to success lies in having clarity of purpose and seeking the assistance best suited to your unique needs.

As you embark on your quest for the perfect YouTube mentor, remember the importance of defining your content goals and evaluating potential mentors with discerning eyes. Whether you choose to journey solo or enlist the guidance of a mentor, may your path be illuminated by clarity, purpose, and unwavering determination.

About the Author

As a seasoned producer, social media consultant and mentor for digital creator (with over 12 years of experience in digital marketing), Martin seeks to be of services to creators and brands trying to get to the next nevel of their conten journeys. He co‑founded and was CEO of the successful YouTube comedy channel, Enchufe.tv, boasting more than 27 million subscribers as of this writing. He has developed and produced for film, tv and even podcasts. His dog's name is Henry and he enjoys cleaning his house.