Read time: 3 minutes

• Setting up an advisory board
• Accountability buddies
• Expanding your network

Starting a business is rarely a solo effort. Any successful entrepreneur will tell you that having the right people in your corner will make all the difference. Mentors are not just helpful – they’re essential! Here’s how to find, engage, and make the most of them, along with some actionable tips to get started.

Setting Up an Advisory Board

Mentors have been through the challenges you’re facing and can offer insights you wouldn’t think of on your own. An advisory board takes this concept further – a small group of trusted advisors who you set up regular meetings with to help guide your journey. 

• What is an advisory board? It’s a group of 2-4 experienced individuals who meet with you regularly (every 2-4 weeks). They review your progress, provide constructive feedback, and help steer you in the right direction.
• How to Set Up an Advisory Board? Look for individuals whose expertise complements your business needs – someone with industry knowledge, another with operational experience, and a third who might have connections to investors or potential customers.
• Maximise their impact: Prepare updates and specific questions before meetings. This ensures you’re making the most of their time and getting actionable feedback.

Actional Tips: 

• Start small: If someone is hesitant to commit to a formal role, start with a casual coffee chat. These smaller interactions can evolve into long-term relationships.
• Be specific with your ask: When approaching a potential mentor, explain exactly why you’re seeking their guidance. Mention what you admire about their work and the areas where you’d like help.
• Offer value in return: Even if you’re early in your journey, you can still provide value. Share insights, connect them with useful contacts, or assist with a project they’re passionate about.

Accountability Buddies

Even the best plans can falter without regular check-ins. An accountability buddy is someone who holds you responsible for achieving your goals. Unlike mentors, this relationship is more peer-based and focuses on mutual support.

• How it works: Every week, share your progress and set goals for the following week. Knowing someone is keeping an eye on your commitments adds that extra nudge to follow through.
• Choosing the right buddy: Look for someone who is equally driven and reliable. It doesn’t have to be someone in the same field, but they should understand your goals and provide honest feedback.

Actionable tips: 

• Establish a routine: Pick a set day and time each week for your check-ins, whether through a quick call or email exchange.
• Set measurable goals: Be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying “work on my website,” aim for “write a draft for my homepage copy by Wednesday.”
• Celebrate milestones: When you hit a big goal, take time to celebrate it together. Acknowledging progress helps sustain motivation.

Expanding Your Network One Simple Question

Networking is about more than just meeting people – it’s about fostering connections that lead to opportunities.

• The golden question: When meeting someone new, always ask “Is there one other person you think I should meet?” This small step can lead to introductions you might not have access to otherwise.

“Is there one other person you think I should meet?”

The Golden Question

• Follow through: When someone suggests a contact, take the initiative to reach out and reference the mutual connection. It’s an excellent way to build trust and keep your network growing organically.

Final Thoughts:

Having mentors, an advisory board, and accountability buddies isn’t just about staying on track. It’s about tapping into a collective brain trust, benefiting from diverse perspectives, and fostering relationships that can propel you further than you could go alone.

Start asking the right questions, setting clear goals, and building a dream team to help you reach your destination.

Would you like a deeper dive into any of these sections? Let me know in the comments or drop me an email – I’d love to hear your thoughts!