
Through all my years coaching emerging female leaders on how to accelerate their career success, one of the biggest factors that plays into their career trajectory is the support network these women have.
Building strong professional relationships and creating a supportive network is crucial for achieving career success. You know the saying… it’s not what you know, but who! In our RISE Programs, we help participants to build their own personal board of directors – these are the people that will open doors, give advice and be in your corner.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps of creating your very own personal career advisory board – a dedicated network of individuals who act as independent advisers to you to help you navigate challenges and to step up in your career. But first, let’s take a look at why you need a personal advisory board.
First and foremost, a personal advisory board can provide you with a diverse range of perspectives and insights that you might not get from your colleagues or friends. These people can offer you a fresh perspective on your career, help you identify blind spots, and challenge your assumptions in a way that can be incredibly valuable.
Your personal advisory board can also help expand your existing network and connect you with people who can help you achieve your goals. Picture this – a group of influential individuals who hold the keys to unlocking new job opportunities, advocating for promotions or awards, and connecting you with other big names in your industry.
Finally, your personal advisory board can provide you with emotional support and encouragement when you need it most. You know those times when you feel like giving up on your dreams or doubt your abilities? Those are the times that having a personal advisory board will feel incredibly valuable. These people are more than just career advisors – they’re also emotional support systems who can help you navigate the challenges and stresses that come with building a successful career.
Ready to get started at building your personal advisory board? Here are the five steps to creating a group of advisers who can help you achieve your career goals:
Before you can start building your personal advisory board, you need to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve in your career. Take some time to reflect on your goals, both short-term and long-term, and identify the areas where you need the most support and guidance. That way, you’ll know exactly what you want to discuss and explore with your new board members.
Once you know what you’re looking for, start identifying individuals who might be a good fit for your personal advisory board. Consider people from different industries, backgrounds, and experiences who can offer you a diverse range of perspectives. In our RISE Programs, I work with participants to help them identify potential advisors that that sit under the following five categories:
Once you have identified potential advisers, reach out to them and start building a relationship. You can connect with them on LinkedIn, send them an email, or attend an event where they will be speaking or attending. Be genuine and authentic in your approach, and explain why you admire their work and why you think they would be a valuable addition to your personal advisory board.
Once you have made a connection with someone who you believe would be a good fit for your personal advisory board, schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and how they can support you. This meeting can take place in person, over the phone, or via video conference. Be clear and concise about what you’re looking for and what you hope to achieve, and ask for their input and advice
Once you have built a relationship with your personal advisers, it’s essential to stay in touch and nurture those connections over time. This can mean scheduling regular check-ins, sending them updates on your progress, or simply sending a note of thanks or congratulations when they achieve something significant.
Finally, remember that it’s not just about you and your goals, but also about the support and guidance that your board provides. In fact, giving back to your board is an essential part of the process.
Think about it: your board members have invested time and energy into helping you achieve your career goals. They should also feel fulfilled by being a part of your journey. So, when you achieve a promotion or milestone, take the time to celebrate with them. Write a heartfelt thank-you note or recognize them on social media.
But there are other ways to give back that go beyond just saying thank you. As a member of your board, you have a unique opportunity to connect with other professionals and expand your network. If you know someone who is looking to transition into a new industry, for example, consider connecting them with a board member who has experience in that field. Or, if someone needs help with a personal project or task, offer your support and expertise.
Navigating your career path can be a daunting experience at times, but the good news is, you don’t have to go at it alone. By building a personal career board of directors, you’ll be able to rely on a group of people who are cheering you on, providing you with guidance, and supporting you every step of the way. By taking charge of your future and cultivating a network of valuable supporters, you’ll be well on your way to finding fulfillment in your career and your life. So, take some time to reflect on your goals, identify potential advisers, and start building your personal advisory board today.