Consulting experienced freelancers is essential to successfully navigating the Gig economy. However, finding a real-life mentor in a competitive online marketplace is easier said than done. Real-life seller Charles shares his experience in this three-part series dedicated to helping our community members connect with and learn from other Fiverr sellers.Let’s face it, freelancing is no longer something that is relegated to the extraordinary person who has a special skill set and undeniable charm. Freelancing is becoming commonplace. Whether it is something that one does in addition to a full-time job to make some extra money, a full-time career, or something in between, freelancing is quickly becoming the new normal when it comes to working. According to Forbes, “there are 53 million freelancers in America today. By 2020, 50 percent of the U.S. workforce will be freelancers.” With such a large freelancing workforce, competition is going to become increasingly stronger as the supply of freelance services grows to meet increasing demand for its need.While many may think that freelancing allows you to live life by your rules, selling on Fiverr successfully is a meticulous process that involves thought, research, attention to detail, and communication skills, among other things. And while not everyone who comes to Fiverr to sell may possess these skills at the highest level, they are skills one can learn with the help of an experienced seller. Thus, this article focuses on how to find a Fiverr mentor to help guide you on your Fiverr journey to a successful and hopefully fruitful experience.Before jumping into the number one way to find a mentor, let’s redefine mentoring. Mentoring used to be the act of being an apprentice to a more experienced person for a set amount of time. In the middle ages, that might mean you apprenticed for a master blacksmith for a number of years before becoming one. Internships exist as modern-day mentorships. In a Gig economy, however, mentorship can be defined differently. Mentorship can be as small as seeking advice from an experienced freelancer on a specific situation, or it can be a long-term experience. In either case, in the Gig economy, you need to be proactive about finding a mentor and you need to be clear with your mentor about your needs. This is especially true on Fiverr where you can only communicate through the platform. The clearer your communication in a mentorship, the better experience you may have.
I found my mentor, Kev (known as Erapport on Fiverr) before I knew I needed him. I was entertaining joining the platform he was mentioned in a Fiverr Blog article about a new Top Rated Seller. I made the contact with Kev and explained what I was trying to achieve: turn my passion for writing into something I would get paid for. Kev guided me in every aspect of starting on Fiverr. From what angle to make my Gig to how to set up each part of the Gig to how to handle situations I was green to dealing with, Kev taught me so much and still does. He is a kind and generous soul, and I believe there are many out there who are like him. You simply have to seek them out. Blogs are a great place to start.Once sellers reach a top rating, they may be willing to share their expertise but are not going to go out of their way to reach out to you. The burden is on you to contact the seller, explain what you are trying to achieve and why you admire their successes and ask if they have any advice. This way you can develop a natural rapport. Check in with that seller and share some exciting updates or ask questions. I would caution about asking the seller to be your mentor right away. Being a mentor is a long-term endeavor, but persistent and clear communication strengthens the relationship from the get-go. Mentorship comes in many forms and depends on your specific circumstances. For me, it was establishing a long-term relationship with my mentor. For others, it is a one-time need. If want just one way to find a mentor, start with Fiverr blogs. Each week Fiverr puts out stories about successful sellers. Signing up for the Fiverr newsletter and viewing the archives of the blog are the best places to seek mentorship. In post two of this three-part series, we will discuss more great ways to find that mentor that may not be so obvious. How did you find a mentor online? Share your experience in the comments below!
