On getting advice
I find that sometimes the answer is obvious, you just need someone else to tell you. This photo really captures that. Want to know if its windy? Is the rock swinging? Then its probably windy ;)
I remember the importance of my advisory board with my first company, Spunlogic. They saved us from making a lot of big mistakes, like the time we thought we should open a second office in Charlotte. We would meet with them quarterly, over dinner, and share with them our problems and they would help us find our way. Invaluable.
And I found myself reminded of those meetings when I was in my first advisory board meeting with a great young company in town this week. I am so excited about this company and was thrilled when their CEO asked me to lead, and help put together, their advisory board.
During the first meeting, we had several terrific conversations and I could tell it was just what his team needed. There were a few big decisions that they seemed to be leaning one way on and the advisory board very emphatically thought they should go the other way. Not being in the trenches, and having vast experience as a collective board, we were able to help them see the forest through the trees, if you will.
Now, its completely up to them to make the tough decisions. That’s actually the hardest part, but I commend them on seeking advice and believe more companies should do this.
Here are some helpful hints on getting advice, finding mentors and setting up advisory boards:
How to choose and run an advisory board
And I’ll end by suggesting that anyone looking for a mentor, can find one on the Advice For Good website!
