5 ways to build your advice network

1. Assess your existing advisors

Analyze everyone in your current network according to the areas in which they assist you (technical vs political; insiders vs outsiders) to determine the value each provides. It might help to draw a simple matrix to visualize your network’s composition, focusing on the executive-level value each advisor provides.

2. Identify gaps

Does your existing network provide the support you need in your current role? Not everyone who has helped before will be as useful going forward as you encounter increasingly complex problems at higher levels.

3. Evaluate quality

Assess whether your network provides the following qualities, crucial for exec-level advice:

• The right mix of technical advisers and political counselors, all with experience at the highest levels of business.
• A balanced mix of external and internal advice-givers who can provide objective, high level perspectives and who understand the unique challenges of exec leadership.
• Trustworthy advisors whose personal agendas don’t conflict with yours and who offer straight and accurate advice, even in high-stakes situations.

4. Plan for the future

Think ahead to your next role or challenge. How will your need for advice change as you move higher in the organization? Pinpoint what you can do now to lay the groundwork for that future network.

5. Cultivate new relationships

Actively seek out new advisors to fill any gaps – reach out to industry leaders, join executive forums, and engage with mentors who have held positions at the highest levels of business.s