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 individual coaching 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.

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.

Why Every Career Driven Woman Needs Her Own Personal Career 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.

How To Build Your Career Advisory Board

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:

1. Define your 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.

2. Identify potential advisers

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 executive coaching programs, I will work with you to help you identify potential advisors that that sit under the following five categories:

• SPONSORS
  This is someone who believes in your value, advocates for you, allows you to take risks and has your back if you fail. Usually, it’s someone more senior at work who can provide you with opportunities and help you move up.
• MENTORS
  Someone willing to provide support and advice, offer perspective and share their knowledge, experience, and expertise. If you’re interested in hearing more about sponsors and mentors, I encourage you to listen to Episode 8 of the Your Brilliant Career podcast.
• PEER PARTNERS
  This is a peer who can share information, be a sounding board and broaden your perspective. You are useful to each other because the relationship is fueled by trust, and a willingness to share and support.
• CHEERLEADERS
  A cheerleader is going to give you confidence because they believe in you regardless of circumstance. They see all that you’ve achieved and what you’re good at. It’s an informal relationship and it’s a perfect place to go when you need a boost.
• CHALLENGERS
  You need people on your board who will tell you the honest truth, even if their perspective differs dramatically from your own. They are often the people who speak up, even when it means telling you something you don’t want to hear (but probably need to hear!). Challengers are essential to your board because they are not afraid to say it like it is and willingly step into an open and healthy debate.

3. Reach out and make a connection

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.

4. Schedule a meeting

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

5. Stay in touch

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.

6. Give back to your board

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.