When you first start a bookkeeping business, it can feel like you’re navigating a swamp with no map.

You know there’s solid ground out there somewhere, but you’re not sure which way to jump.

That’s where mentorship comes in.

Having a mentor doesn’t mean you need to find a business “guru” or a bookkeeping Yoda.

It means connecting with someone who’s been a few steps ahead of you.

Someone who can shine a light on the path forward, cheer you on when you’re uncertain, and nudge you toward opportunities you may never have seen on your own.

In this post, we’ll explore why mentorship matters, what it looks like in practice, and how you can find mentors who fit your needs.

Why Mentorship is So Powerful

A mentor provides more than just technical advice. Yes, they might show you better ways to structure a client engagement or offer tax tips, but the real value lies in perspective.

Mentors can:

• Help you see possibilities you’d overlook. Sometimes we’re too close to our own business to see what’s possible. A mentor notices strengths you take for granted.

• Guide you through tough decisions. When you’re at a crossroads, like whether to take on a client, hire a subcontractor, or invest in software, a mentor provides clarity.

• Offer encouragement. Running a business can be lonely. A mentor reminds you that you’re not alone in the struggle.

• Push you (gently) out of your comfort zone. Often, mentors see more potential in you than you see in yourself.

Personal Stories of Mentorship in Bookkeeping

When Gentle Frog first launched (back when it was called Primarily Bookkeeping), things felt overwhelming.

There were so many voices telling me what I “should” do, but no clear roadmap. Finding mentors was the turning point.

One mentor encouraged me to co-host a Seattle bookkeeping group.

I was nervous, but it turned into a community I’ve now been part of for nearly 10 years.

Another mentor pushed me to start teaching workshops at SCORE.

In those early days, I shook like a leaf through most of the session, but the experience changed me.

Today, teaching and training is one of my favorite parts of business.

These weren’t opportunities I would have chosen on my own. I needed someone else to say, “You’d be great at this, try it.”

Mentorship in Action: Spotting Opportunities for Others

Mentorship isn’t just about receiving guidance. It’s also about paying it forward.

For example, after getting to know Anne Little of Little Details Bookkeeping, I suggested she add DIY bookkeeping support as a service.

She now helps clients by reviewing their books and creating step-by-step action plans.

It fits her strengths perfectly, and it wasn’t something she’d considered before.

Mentorship works best when both sides listen, learn, and encourage one another.

Finding a Mentor as a Bookkeeper

You might be thinking: “I’d love a mentor, but I can’t afford one right now.” Good news, mentorship doesn’t always have to cost money.

Here are a few ways to find mentors at every budget level:

• SCORE (Free): SCORE.org offers free mentoring for small business owners. You can meet with a local or virtual mentor who fits your goals.

• Industry groups and Facebook communities: Many bookkeepers connect informally and form peer-mentoring relationships.

• Formal coaching programs: If you’re ready to invest, you can hire a mentor who offers structured coaching and training.

• Peer masterminds: Small groups of bookkeepers often meet to share experiences, offer feedback, and hold each other accountable.

The key is to find someone whose strengths and experiences complement what you’re working toward.

What to Look for in a Mentor

Not all mentors are the right fit. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Shared values. Look for someone who aligns with your ethics and professional outlook.

• Relevant experience. They don’t need to be decades ahead of you, but they should have faced the challenges you’re tackling.

• Good listener. A great mentor listens as much as they advise.

• Encouraging but honest. The best mentors challenge you, not coddle you.

Becoming a Mentor Yourself

Even if you’re early in your journey, you may be further along than someone else.

Don’t underestimate the value of your own experiences. Offering to grab a coffee with a newer bookkeeper or answering questions in a Facebook group is a form of mentorship too.

As Zig Ziglar famously said: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”

Why Mentorship is a Two-Way Street

The beauty of mentorship is that it’s not just about getting advice.

It’s about connection.

Mentors give you confidence, clarity, and accountability, while mentees bring fresh energy and new perspectives.

When you find the right mentor, or step into the role yourself, you’ll discover that business isn’t something you have to do alone.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been trying to figure out the bookkeeping world on your own, maybe it’s time to reach out.

Start small: send a message to someone you admire, join a group, or connect with SCORE. The point isn’t to find a “perfect” mentor. It’s to build relationships that help you grow, step by step.

And remember, when you’re ready, you can also become that mentor for someone else.

✅ Next Step: Explore free mentorship through SCORE.org or check out industry leaders you admire. The right connection could change the way you run your business.