Building Your Personal Board of Advisors 
Your Guide to Finding Mentors, Friends, and Peers Who Inspire Growth

When you think of a “board of advisors,” your mind may immediately wander to corporate settings, where high-powered executives offer strategic guidance for a company’s success. But what if you could apply the same concept to your personal and professional life? Imagine having a circle of trusted individuals who offer wisdom, encouragement, and accountability as you navigate your goals, dreams, and challenges.
A Personal Board of Advisors is just that; a handpicked group of mentors, friends, and peers who can help you grow, hold you accountable, and guide you through life’s twists and turns. Let’s dive into why this concept is powerful and how to create your own advisory board.
Why You Need a Personal Board of Advisors
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  1. Diverse Perspectives: Your board can provide a variety of viewpoints, helping you see opportunities and challenges from angles you may have missed.
  2. Accountability: With people invested in your success, you’re more likely to stay on track and achieve your goals.
  3. Emotional Support: Life is full of ups and downs, and having a group that believes in you can be invaluable when times get tough.
  4. Skill Development: The right advisors can help you sharpen your skills, whether it’s leadership, communication, or creative problem-solving.
  5. Networking Opportunities: Your advisors often bring with them connections that can open doors for your personal and professional growth.
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Who Should Be on Your Personal Board of Advisors?
Your advisory board should be as unique as you are.  Think about what areas of your life you want to grow in; whether it’s career, relationships, health, faith, or creativity and find individuals who can guide you in these areas. Here’s a breakdown of the key “roles” to consider:
  1. The Mentor: Someone more experienced than you who can provide wisdom and advice from a place of knowledge.
  2. The Peer Partner: A friend or colleague who is on a similar journey. They understand your struggles and can offer camaraderie and support.
  3. The Cheerleader: This is someone who believes in you unconditionally and encourages you to keep going when you’re ready to quit.
  4. The Challenger: A person who isn’t afraid to push back, ask tough questions, and challenge you to think bigger or deeper.
  5. The Spiritual Compass: Someone who helps you stay grounded in your values and faith, reminding you of the bigger picture.
  6. The Specialist: Someone with expertise in an area you want to grow in; whether it’s finances, public speaking, or fitness.
How to Build Your Personal Board of Advisors
  1. Identify Your Needs: Reflect on your goals. Where do you need support or guidance? What skills, knowledge, or connections could help you grow? Write down the qualities and expertise you’d like your advisors to have.
  2. Make a Wish List: Who do you know or need to know that fit the roles mentioned above?
  3. Reach Out with Intention: When asking someone to join your “board,” be clear about what you’re looking for. Explain why you value their input and how they can support you.
  4. Diversify Your Circle: Your advisors don’t all have to come from the same industry, background, or age group. A diverse group will give you richer perspectives.
  5. Set Clear Expectations: Make sure your advisors know what you’re asking for. Let them know how often you’d like to connect (e.g., quarterly, monthly, or as needed) and how they can best support you.
  6. Foster Genuine Relationships: Building a board isn’t about extracting value from people; it’s about creating mutually beneficial relationships. Be sure to express gratitude, offer your own support when you can, and celebrate their contributions to your growth.
How to Maximize the Impact of Your Board
  1. Stay Open to Feedback
    The best advisors will give you honest, constructive feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. Be open to their insights and willing to make changes.
  2. Create a Regular Check-In Schedule
    Set up consistent meetings with your advisors, whether it’s through one-on-one coffee chats, Zoom calls, or even group discussions.
  3. Set Goals Together
    Share your short-term and long-term goals with your board and ask for their input on how to achieve them.
  4. Celebrate Milestones
    When you achieve something significant, let your board know! Celebrating together builds camaraderie and reinforces their investment in your success.