Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
How to Build Your Personal Advisory Board
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How to Build Your Personal Advisory Board

On this episode of the Build The Damn Thing, find out how a robust support system–aka your personal advisory board–can help you create the business and life you've always wanted. A personal advisory board differs from a “corporate” advisory board in one fundamental way. The traditional corporate advisory board advises about your company; your personal advisory board advises you about YOU. 

“As you consider building your personal advisory board, consider areas where you need help and weaknesses.” 

Your personal advisory board should ideally have people who give you advice and direction, and sometimes the slap upside the head that you need to get through this process of building. You want members of your advisory board not to see the world the same way you do so they can help you rethink your approach when needed.

“My community is vital to me because they allow me to do what I need to do.”

Because they are in your business, your personal advisory board should go beyond just your business. It can be the people who watch your child so that you can take that late-night meeting. Or the people who bring over homemade cooking when you’re super exhausted. All the people around you who support you and allow you to do what you need to do to be the best you can be are crucial to your success as an entrepreneur.

“Think of your personal advisory board as the people who are in the business of you and the people who wanna see you win and succeed.”

To build your own personal advisory board, start by asking yourself a few questions: Who are the people around you who offer support? Who do you trust when it's hard? Who do you turn to when you have to make a decision? Your personal advisory board can be a mix of family members, friends, business colleagues, and mentors. It is an imperative piece of support on your journey to build your own damn thing. 

Guests

Brian Laung Aoaeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/industrialtransformationandsupplychaintechnology/

Dr. Lisa DeRochė: https://www.hrdrderoche.com/about/

Felecia Hatcher: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/

Darlene Gillard-Jones: https://www.darlenegillardjones.com/ 

Discussion about this podcast

Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
No more excuses. No more procrastination. If you’re ready to take your business, side hustle or idea to the next level, then this is the podcast for you! The podcast is hosted by Kathryn Finney, one of the most influential women in tech (INC Magazine), one of the first Black women to sell her startup, and Managing General Partner at the Chicago-based venture firm, Genius Guild.
Based on Kathryn’s bestselling book “Build the Damn Thing: How to Build a Successful Business if You’re NOT a Rich White Guy”, Build the Damn Thing is part storytelling, part mix tape and designed to teach you how to bring your business to the next level. The podcast features lessons and tips from leaders and entrepreneurs who have “Built the Damn Thing” themselves. From serial entrepreneurs to those who take risks to solve problems both abroad and locally — it's all here on the show!