CIMA Mip - Should I find a mentor paid or otherwise

I'm a CIMA MiP trying to start a practice and finding it very tough going. It seems to me some people pick up clients as easily as fruit and veg in Tesco's but unfortunately I am not one of them. I have been trying to seek advice from people and am now out Networking (which I don't find easy to do)

I hear Networking can be a slow burn but I can't really wait to see if any money starts coming in after 6 months, especially as networking at £10-15 a pop ignoring 6/12 month charges can get pretty expensive.

Going back to industry doesn't really seem like an option though I do apply for roles and I'm not really looking for a franchise as Accountancy may not be something I want to do long term or full time into the future.

Any advice would be appreciated.