Maria Simone is a business development and marketing expert who has launched companies and raised millions in funding. She helps start-ups attract capital, experts, and customers. Subscribe to her free business building e-zine or trial her mentor program at http://www.manifestsuccessguru.com.
So the old saying goes "if I only knew then what I know now".
I say "why wait to have the experience"?
Avoid the "hard knocks" that people insist on having by building a TEAM of people that have demonstrated success in the areas you're about to venture into. Think about what it would be like to have someone in your life that has been down the same path that you're about to go down and who is freely sharing with you what's in store. You'll be able to plan better, make better informed decisions, as well as save lots of time and money by avoiding the most commonly made mistakes.
I have had great success in this area --- attracting celebrities, former CEO's of bilion dollar companies, and well known experts in various industries. Knowing them has given me confidence to move steadily forward in all of my projects, has opened doors for me I wouldn't have imagined, and has brought me accelerated results. I wrote a detailed Special Resport about this topic at http://www.manifestsuccessguru.com which gets into the "how to" but here are some of the highlights:
What do I call my TEAM?
Make it formal and professional to lend credibility. I like ADVISORY TEAM or ADVISORY BOARD as it relates to business. Others call it MASTERMIND GROUP, and MENTOR GROUP.
Who should be on it?
Here are a few examples of the "profiles" of those who would provide a well-rounded experience
1. Someone with experience developing a business--- starting a business, experience with acquiring funding, dealt with legalities of having a business, launch, growth, exit strategies, etc.
2. Someone that has actually launched or worked with a company that has achieved your desired revenue goals in yours or a similar industry. EX: One of my companies is a fashion accessory company so I sought out the advice of Nick Graham who had founded the very successful "Joe Boxer" brand in 1987.
3. Someone that responsibly represents YOUR desired market that can give you feedback and credibility along the way. EX: My friend launched an animation company that produces cartoons promoting environmental issues. The Honorable Al Gore is on their Advisory Team.
4. Someone not related to your business but well-grounded and "wise" in other areas of life. This person will help give you perspective and support your desire to have balance in your life.
What to say?
In short, approach these people and request a short meeting where you'd have the opportunity to ask them some relevant questions about your business that they would completely relate to. Can they validate what you're doing? Did they have similar experiences they could share with you? Is there anyone else they would recommend you speak to? Any special advice they could give you?
How to follow-up?
Request that they allow you to check in with them once a month to share your progress and to seek their guidance. People generally will be honored to be able to support you at such intervals and won't think to ask for anything in return.
Not only will they get to help the next generation succeed, the relationship itself will start attracting more people, customers, capital and other resources to your project.
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