Building Your Board of Advisors
Treat your career like a company—build a board:
The Mentor (1-2 people) - 10+ years ahead in your path - Invested in your success - Regular guidance sessions - Opens doors strategically
The Sponsor (1-2 people) - Senior leader who advocates for you - Mentions you in rooms you're not in - Recommends you for opportunities - Stakes reputation on your success
The Peer Mastermind (3-5 people) - Similar level, different companies - Regular problem-solving sessions - Salary and strategy transparency - Mutual opportunity sharing
The Industry Insider (2-3 people) - Deep knowledge of sector trends - Aware of upcoming opportunities - Connected to decision makers - Provides market intelligence
The Skill Complement (2-3 people) - Abilities that enhance yours - Potential collaboration partners - Cross-referral opportunities - Force multiplier relationships
James's Board After 18 Months: - Mentor: CFO who guided major career decisions - Sponsor: Board member who recommended him for roles - Mastermind: 4 finance leaders across industries - Insiders: 2 executive recruiters, 1 PE partner - Complements: Tech CTO, Marketing CMO
The Relationship Maintenance System
The Touch Point Calendar:
Inner Circle: Weekly/Biweekly - Regular collaboration - Immediate value exchange - Deep relationship building - Mutual support
Influence Ring: Monthly/Quarterly - Valuable updates shared - Coffee chats scheduled - Opportunities exchanged - Relationships deepened
Opportunity Network: Quarterly/Annually - LinkedIn engagement - Holiday greetings - Major update sharing - Occasional value adds
The 5-Touch System: 1. Congratulate: On promotions, achievements 2. Contribute: Share relevant resources 3. Connect: Make valuable introductions 4. Consult: Ask for their expertise 5. Celebrate: Acknowledge their impact