In today’s edition:

• Recognize your need for advice

• Build your board of advisors

• How to receive their wisdom

Your need for a personal board of advisors

Most large companies have boards that advise, challenge, encourage, and steer them around obstacles.

So why wouldn’t you?

You are the CEO of your career, so create a board of advisors so that you can avoid mistakes, grow faster, obtain wise counsel, and learn from those who have “been there and done that.”

There is no reason to learn everything the hard way. Instead, learn from other’s experiences and their insights into the very thing you are trying to do.

How to build your board of advisors

Determine what your goals are

This is step one and will guide who you ask to mentor you.

Figure out what you want to accomplish, build, or grow in. Then seek a suitable mentor who has experience in that area.

Criteria for determining if a person would be a good mentor

• At least 10-20 years older than you

• They have success in the area you want to grow in

• Marked by humility

• Have demonstrated the desire to help people

• They have similar values to yours (you are playing the same game by the same rules)

Choosing a topic area you would like mentorship in

Just like the CEO of a large company, you should uncover the areas you are weak in and get mentors for each of those spots.

Mentors can help in the following areas:

• Engineering

• Business

• Fitness

• Spiritual

• Or just about any other topic you might be interested in

The Ask

Now that you know what area you want to be mentored in and who you should ask, how do you pull the trigger?

It starts with approaching them well.

Your ask for mentorship should include these elements:

• Honor them by expressing your desire to learn from them.

• Make a clear ask and define how often you would like to meet with them.

• Start with an intro conversation where you take them to lunch, dinner, or for coffee.

• Express your shared interest in their expertise and your vision of what you wish to accomplish with their help.

How to receive their wisdom

Once a mentor has agreed to meet with you, your job is to learn and ask good questions.

This is not the time to take over the conversation to impress them.

Demonstrate your desire and commitment to learn from them by:

• Taking detailed notes

• Being teachable and humble

• Respect their time

• Put their recommendations into practice

• Give them your full, undivided attention

• Be honest with where you are knowing that growth requires failure

• Honor the sacrifice they have made to invest in you

• Ask open-ended questions

One final recommendation is to limit your board to 3-5 people. This way you will have enough time to meet with each of them on their particular area of expertise and not be overwhelmed by all the changes you are trying to make.

Takeaways:

• You need a board of advisors because you will fail on your own.

• Build your board of advisors to become a well-rounded successful individual.

• Show respect and implement your advisors’ advice.

Photo of the Week:

Before you leave — HIT REPLY (and say hi)

Let me know what you think of this week’s newsletter by replying to this email. I read every response and would love to hear from you.

Rock on,

Camden