First, Why I'm Doing This...
In the last week, I've been helping a few Steemit users who were new and/or frustrated with feeling unsuccessful on this site. The help ranged from critiques on content, formatting tips, marketing or networking suggestions, to just being connected to somebody they could talk or ask general questions. I'm sure we can all remember what it's like to be brand new to Steemit or having frustrations over our quality content seemingly go unnoticed.
It's important for users to have realistic expectations on here with external marketing tending to focus on the posts earning thousands of dollars. While this may happen (even though unlikely) for users, in my opinion the slower, more organic growth of both a following and payouts is way more reasonable. I want new and existing Steemit users to feel like they are a part of our community and stay with us, searching for that ideal win/win scenario. An example of one of those I've been excited to help and see achieve increasing success is 
Steemprentice Mentoring Initiative
With this in mind, I'm excited to launch the Steemprentice program, a group initiative including myself and other seasoned Steemit users such as 
Do NOT view this as a get rich quick scenario! Reaching goals takes work and effort by the individual. We are here to 'teach others HOW to fish,' not just 'GIVE out fish.'
Mentors have limited time just like everybody else, so we are looking for mentee's that have a passion for what they do and are already working hard. Remember that mentors are doing this for free, don't spam them and please respect the time they are donating.
If you see posts by minnows stating their frustrations, please send a link of the post to 
[Edit: I've made the #steemprentice channel in steemit.chat open to the public, so just join up. If there are problems I may change this in the future]
Those seeking help can fill out this short Mentee Form which I will keep up with as best as possible, but I promise a response within 48 hours maximum. You can leave a response here or DM
We are also looking for other veteran Steemit users who would like to help with group mentoring and/or some one-on-one when necessary or wanted. Those interested in being a mentor can fill out this short Mentor Form or just send a DM in steemit.chat to
There is a private #steemprentice channel in steemit.chat with a growing collecting various guides, putting together an expanding FAQ, and any other sort of helpful reference materials. New Steemprentice members will have to be manually added in. [EDIT: just join the channel now, it's been made public] This channel will be the hub for the mentoring initiative so everyone involved can learn together. As needed, one-on-one sessions can be setup.
Keep Smiling and Steem On!
Image Sources:
Mentoring for Success
Mentor Word Collage
[Edit: Now that there are multiple active mentors, my next steemprentice post will include updates on what we've been able to achieve (probably avg payout and/ or retention numbers) as well as how followup post payouts can be distributed to active mentors]