Your Aspirational Board

This week I’ve been writing about some amazing scholars that I look up to.

Now, let’s talk some more about your personal board of directors.

Yesterday we talked about one version of your BOD, your Buddy Board of Directors. By that, I mean a group of people you can rely on, trust, and ask for professional and even personal advice. Or, you might just wonder in your own head, “what would my old boss do?” or even “what would my mom do?” in a particular situation. Here, you are relying on the wisdom of someone you know, and who would take your call if you reached out to them. And I do owe my mom a call.

That was your B-Board, your Buddy Board. Today let’s talk about another group, your Aspirational Board of Directors. Your A-Board.

These are people that you’ve heard of, but you might not yet know… at least not yet.

Or maybe you’ve interacted with them but you wouldn’t dream of calling on them… at least not yet.

You admire them and aspire to be like them. Wouldn’t you like to know what they would do in your situation?

Let me share my examples.

I admire Phil Kotler, revered marketing professor and author of over 80 books

I admire Steve Martin, beloved comedian and multi-talented actor, musician, and entertainer

I admire Seth Godin, entrepreneur and author of 20 best-selling books

There are others on this list, including a few people who are no longer with us… Peter Drucker and Steve Jobs and Stan Lee, for example. While I can never reach out to them, I can still learn about them, read about them, and even look up people who might be following a similar path.

And there is nothing… NOTHING… stopping me from reaching out to Phil Kotler.

And there is nothing… NOTHING… stopping me from reaching out to Steve Martin.

And I was in a conference Zoom with Seth Godin not long ago, and on the screen, there was my picture, right next to his… virtually sitting elbow to elbow with him. No reason why I can’t send him a message.

And there is NOTHING stopping you from reaching out to someone who you admire and could learn from.

And it doesn’t have to be a celebrity. There are plenty of coaches and mentors and podcasters and authors that I could learn a lot from.

They might not answer.

But they might.

And if you don’t take the initiative, they never will.

And here’s the thing. If you rely on your B-Board of Directors, you will get great advice and direction. And love. But there’s the possibility that, because they’re your family and friends, they might not tell you what you really need to hear.

With the A-Board… well, you could get the same thing. But you might at least be exposed to somebody who has already achieved something you want… who knows how to do what you want to do.

Stretch. Reach out. Strike up a conversation, even by email. 

Who are you going to contact? Do it! Today!

See you tomorrow!