How to Build a Personal Advisory Board
Two Cups of Tea Career Consulting | Categories: Leadership Development; Advisory Board |
Building a personal board of advisors can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional development. A personal board of advisors is a group of individuals who can provide guidance, advice, and support in various areas of your life. These individuals can be mentors, peers, or experts in specific fields, and can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise as you work towards your goals.
Here are a few steps you can take to build your own personal board of advisors:
Identify your areas of need: Before you can build a personal board of advisors, you need to have a grasp of the vacancies that currently exist within your personal network and professional toolkit. Consider your individual and professional goals, and think about the types of people who can help you achieve them. For example, if you're looking to start a business, you may want to find someone with experience in entrepreneurship and organic growth. If you're looking to improve your public speaking skills, you will need to enlist someone with experience in public speaking or communication and a willingness to share their experience with you.
Network: Once you identify the areas in which you'll need advice, start networking with people who can provide that help. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with successful people in your field on social media. Not only is this a good way to find potential advisors, but also it is a great way to expand your professional network and learn from people who have experienced the industry-specific success to which you aspire.
Seek out mentors: Mentors are a valuable asset for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional development. Seek out people who have experience and knowledge in the areas you need help in, and ask if they would be willing to mentor you. Make sure to find individuals who are passionate about what they do and are willing to invest time and energy in your development.
Look for diversity: When building your personal board of advisors, it's important to look for diversity in terms of age, gender, race, and background. A diverse group of advisors can provide a range of perspectives and ideas, which can be particularly valuable when you're trying to solve a problem or make a decision. Moreover, diversity of thought should be your top priority, as you'll want to surround yourself with people who can view your particular challenges through several lenses.
Set clear expectations: Once you have identified potential advisors, set clear expectations for your relationship with them. Let them know what you're looking for in terms of guidance and support, and make sure they're comfortable with the level of commitment you're asking for. Be sure to manage expectations with regard to compensation, as many advisors expect to earn money by spending their valuable time toward helping you to achieve your goals.
Communicate regularly: Regular communication with your personal board of advisors is key to maintaining a productive relationship. Set regular check-ins with your advisors and make sure to keep them updated on your progress and any new developments in your life.
Building a personal board of advisors takes time and effort, but it can be a valuable investment in your personal and professional development. By identifying your areas of need, networking with people who can provide the help you need, and building relationships with mentors, you can create a group of individuals who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you work towards your goals. Remember to look for diversity and set clear expectations, and communicate regularly with your advisors, and you will be on your way to a successful personal board.
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