“GrowthMentor is like having a backstage pass to a wealth of knowledge and experience. It’s been crucial in overcoming obstacles and driving our startup forward. It’s the catalyst for our success.”

GrowthMentor provides access to a wide range of experts in various fields. This allows you to find specific expertise - if you are struggling with conversion issues, you can search through the database for CRO people.

Mancy Thurston

Head of Growth

Tell us something about yourself.

I am currently running a cutting-edge AI platform dedicated to helping influencers monetize their fan base effortlessly through personalized AI chatbots. Justbanter.ai allows influencers to create digital AI twins that interact with their fans 24/7, which not only helps influencers build their brand and deepen fan relationships but also generates a reliable passive income stream without increasing their workload. With a simple setup process and a marketplace for fan interactions, Justbanter.ai revolutionizes how influencers engage with their audience and monetize their expertise.

What you are currently working on?

Currently, I am working on bootstrapping Justbanter.ai, a startup aimed at revolutionizing influencer marketing through AI-powered chatbots. Bootstrapping a startup is undoubtedly challenging. There are times when growth doesn’t meet expectations, which can be frustrating. The journey can feel lonely and overwhelming if you’re unsure about the next steps.

However, platforms like Growthmentor are incredibly valuable in these situations. Growthmentor connects you with experts in various fields who can provide the guidance you need. You can browse through mentors, find someone with the expertise you’re looking for, and schedule a call. In just 30 minutes, you often gain clarity on your next steps, which is crucial for solving problems and moving the business forward.

For example, I recently sought advice from a UX designer through Growthmentor when we were about to relaunch our site. She reviewed our Figma design and suggested adding a photo to one of the sections to make our message clearer. This tangible feedback significantly improved the quality of our site. Getting such valuable insights from an experienced designer could have cost us hundreds, but Growthmentor made it accessible and affordable.

The critical need of our business at this stage is to solve problems and keep moving forward, and Growthmentor has been instrumental in helping us achieve that.

Before you learned about GrowthMentor, how did you deal with the challenges you faced?

Before discovering Growthmentor, my approach to tackling challenges was akin to a “what sticks to the wall” method. This slow and tedious process often led me down the wrong path, wasting valuable time and resources before I had to backtrack and tackle the problem again. For example, when learning about a new area like SEO, I would watch a few YouTube videos or take a short course. However, I quickly realized that the process was complex and contained pitfalls. To save time, I would then hire a freelancer on Upwork, which, while effective, often became costly.

Growthmentor has transformed this process by providing tailored solutions specific to my use case. Instead of spending hours or days navigating through generic advice and potentially expensive freelancers, I can now connect with experts who offer precise guidance and actionable insights in just 30 minutes. This approach has significantly streamlined problem-solving and accelerated our progress.

What ultimately compelled you to sign up for GrowthMentor?

I decided to sign up for GrowthMentor because it offers a more comprehensive and versatile solution compared to hiring a single business coach. When you hire one person, you are at some point going to inevitably hit the limits of their knowledge. GrowthMentor, on the other hand, provides access to a wide range of experts in various fields. This allows you to find specific expertise – if you are struggling with conversion issues, you can search through the database for CRO people. The flexibility of GrowthMentor is especially helpful for navigating the diverse challenges of growing a startup. I wish I had known about GM earlier!

What’s your favorite thing about GrowthMentor?

My favorite thing about GrowthMentor is how it has helped me save time and increase focus, crucial aspects in a startup where resources are limited and need to be allocated effectively. Thanks to someone I met on the platform, I ended up hiring a virtual assistant, which has allowed me to focus on more important activities that truly move the ball forward. The Slack community is fantastic too, offering resources and discounts from various businesses to fellow members, which I have taken advantage of. GrowthMentor provides support for your entrepreneurial journey, increasing your chances of success. What’s better than that?

What topics have you discussed with mentors?

I’ve mostly discussed topics like improving the website, CRO, SEO, and growth hacking with mentors. Our current challenge is influencer outreach, as we’re trying to onboard content creators to the platform. We’re seeking influencers who are open to exploring new revenue streams and embracing the AI revolution. Having a fresh pair of eyes on these problems is great, and the mentors on GrowthMentor are deeply interested in startups and eager to help.

Is there one session or mentor that stands out as super helpful?

Alexis Knygavko – Helped with my site’s UI/UX design decisions.
Andre Guelmann – He was super generous with his time and gave me an on-the-spot mini SEO lesson.
Tracy Laranjo – Gave me tactical tips on where I should go next when I needed to choose one of two paths. She also has a great personality.
Ranjini N Rao – She is a business coach and it was a unique experience for me, to have someone evaluate my strengths and weaknesses.

How has GrowthMentor helped you?

GrowthMentor is like having a backstage pass to a wealth of knowledge and experience. It’s been crucial in overcoming obstacles and driving our startup forward. It’s the catalyst for our success.

What three adjectives would you use to describe GrowthMentor?

I would describe GrowthMentor as collaborative, engaging, and transformative. It avoids loneliness by fostering collaboration, makes learning fun and engaging through interactions with others, and helps you grow both personally and professionally.

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