Successful people know the importance of having a team. It’s never too early in your life or career to surround yourself with good knowledgeable people. People are more than willing to help us accomplish our goals than we may think. In fact, they want to help. The hard part is it’s our job to ask for their help. Many of us are convinced that we have to fly solo and figure everything out on our own, the hard way. That is, a team of personal advisers, although you can call them whatever you want. Why should you have a team?
What is a team of advisers?
Professionals or experts that guide decision-making and provide critical input and advice. These are people in your network who you can reach out to now and then seek out their advice once you’ve established a relationship. There’s a reason why top executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes work with coaches: Objectivity. Your team can see from an objective and unbiased point-of-view what you’re likely to miss or overlook. If you select your team carefully, many of your advisers will have been there. The benefit is that this is a chance for them to provide perspective, help you avoid the same mistakes they made, and alert you to opportunities you may be overlooking.
Know your goals
Before you seek out your team identify what your goals are and identify what you’re trying to accomplish. This could be jump starting your career, building a new business, or doing something else that matters to you. Focus on three to five key areas. Once you identify where you need support, it’s time to start building your team. (i.e. fundraising, marketing, design, etc.). List the areas that you will likely need additional help and expertise.
Choose a team
Take stock of people that you have in your current network. These can be colleagues, Linkedin connections, or current or former professors. Explain to them what you are doing and why you are seeking their assistance. Once someone agrees to become your adviser, always treat this relationship with the utmost care, tact, and professionalism.
You may need to expand your current network to find the right advisors. Look up local groups and attend their meetings. For instance, if you want to build a new business you can begin at U.S. Small Business Administration at www.sba.gov. They have local offices, resource partners, and a local events calendar.
Set clear expectations
Be clear with what type of support you need from your advisors. Work out the details of how you will meet with them, when you will meet with them, and how often at the beginning. You’ll likely talk to some of your advisors on a weekly basis via e-mail, phone or Skype, while others you’ll connect with monthly or an as needed basis. Stay in regular contact with your advisors. Be sure to share updates, developments, appreciations, setbacks and, achievements. This is how you get them vested in your success.
Things to avoid
A job, contract, or new business relationship may come from your interactions with your adviser, but don’t actively seek it out from your resources. Over time, you’re likely to build a close working relationship with your advisers. You’ll discuss difficult things about your project trajectory and the things that drive you or hold you back. But it’s important to know where to draw the line between an adviser and a friend.
The truly successful have figured out is that it’s never too early in your career to surround yourself with good people. With the right team you can archive your goals faster.
