In the corporate world, companies rely on boards of directors for strategic guidance and decision-making support. But what if you could harness this same concept for your personal career growth? Enter the personal board of advisors – a carefully curated group of mentors, experts, and peers who can provide invaluable insights, support, and opportunities as you navigate your professional journey.

Why You Need a Personal Board of Advisors

A personal board of advisors can:

1. Provide diverse perspectives on career decisions
2. Offer expertise in areas where you lack experience
3. Challenge your thinking and push you out of your comfort zone
4. Connect you with valuable opportunities and networks
5. Serve as a sounding board for ideas and strategies

Let’s dive into how you can build and leverage your own personal board of advisors.

Identifying Your Career Needs

Before you start assembling your board, it’s crucial to assess your current career stage and identify areas where you need guidance. Ask yourself:

• What are my short-term and long-term career goals?
• What skills or knowledge do I need to acquire?
• What industries or roles am I interested in exploring?
• What are my biggest professional challenges right now?

Your answers will help you determine the type of advisors you need.

Roles to Include in Your Personal Board

A well-rounded personal board of advisors typically includes:

1. The Mentor: Someone who has walked the path you aspire to and can provide overall career guidance.
2. The Industry Expert: A person with deep knowledge in your field or a field you want to enter.
3. The Peer: A colleague at a similar career stage who can relate to your current challenges.
4. The Challenger: Someone who will push you out of your comfort zone and question your assumptions.
5. The Connector: A well-networked individual who can introduce you to valuable contacts and opportunities.

Aim for a diverse board that brings different perspectives, experiences, and skill sets to the table.

Finding and Approaching Potential Advisors

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to identify potential advisors:

1. Leverage Your Existing Network: Look through your current professional and personal connections. Who do you admire? Who has expertise in areas you want to develop?
2. Expand Your Search: Attend industry events, join professional associations, or participate in online communities to meet potential advisors.
3. Consider Cold Outreach: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you don’t know personally but admire professionally. LinkedIn can be a great tool for this.

When approaching potential advisors:

• Be clear about why you’re reaching out and what you hope to gain from the relationship
• Explain why you value their specific expertise or experience
• Be respectful of their time and make it easy for them to say yes (or no)

Structuring Your Board

Once you have your advisors on board:

1. Determine the Size: Aim for 3-5 advisors to start. This ensures diversity of thought without becoming overwhelming.
2. Set Expectations: Clearly communicate how often you’d like to meet or interact, and what kind of advice or support you’re seeking.
3. Create a Schedule: Depending on the advisor and your needs, this could range from monthly check-ins to quarterly meetings.

Nurturing Advisor Relationships

Building and maintaining your board is an ongoing process:

1. Show Gratitude: Always thank your advisors for their time and insights.
2. Provide Updates: Keep your board informed about how you’re implementing their advice and any successes you achieve.
3. Offer Reciprocal Value: Look for ways to help your advisors, whether through your own expertise, connections, or simply a fresh perspective.
4. Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of your advisors’ time and commitments.

Using Technology to Manage Your Board

Managing relationships with multiple advisors can be challenging, but technology can help. A personal CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool like Clay can be instrumental in organizing and nurturing these important connections:

• Store Contact Information: Keep all your advisors’ details in one place.
• Track Interactions: Log meetings, advice received, and follow-up items.
• Set Reminders: Schedule check-ins and follow-ups to maintain regular contact.
• Take Notes: Record key insights and action items from each interaction.

Evolving Your Board Over Time

Your career needs will change, and so should your board:

1. Regular Assessment: Annually review whether your current board still aligns with your career goals.
2. Graceful Transitions: As you outgrow certain advisors or your needs change, thank them for their support and discuss transitioning the relationship.
3. Continuous Recruitment: Always be on the lookout for new potential advisors who can bring fresh perspectives.

Conclusion

Building a personal board of advisors is a powerful strategy for accelerating your career growth and making more informed professional decisions. By carefully selecting a diverse group of mentors, experts, and peers, you create a support system that can provide guidance, challenge your thinking, and open doors to new opportunities.

Remember, this is a long-term investment in your career. It takes time to build these relationships, but the dividends they pay in terms of personal and professional growth are immeasurable.

Start small, be genuine in your interactions, and use tools like Clay to stay organized. Before you know it, you’ll have a personal board of advisors helping to steer your career towards success.

Your future self will thank you for the wisdom, opportunities, and growth that come from building this powerful professional network. So why wait? Start building your personal board of advisors today!