Who is on your board?

Throughout my life, my dad always said that you are only as great as the five people you spend the most time with. But I think your greatness depends more on the people you turn to when you need advice or when things get tough. I call these people my Board of Directors. I am lucky to have some amazing women on my Board of Directors. They are women I admire, women who are younger than me, women with different expertise, but most importantly, they are all women who uplift me and are honest with me. I can be completely open and vulnerable with these women, and I know they will give me their honest feedback. Here are a few tips I have to help you create your Board of Directors.

1. Be open to members from all walks of life: Everyone likes to think that they can only take advice to people that are older than them. Some of the best lessons I have learned have been from individuals younger than myself. We all come from all walks of life, and our experiences have born many a leader.

2. Make sure you select people with varying expertise: Be aware that you are not selecting individuals from different backgrounds and ages and experiences. Do you want to be a great marketer, then make sure your Board of Advisors is made up of people with a knack for business, people who are adept in strategy, experts in data analysis, and client managers that can help make you stronger.

3. Having a Board of Directors doesn't mean it is a one-way street. As much value as your Board gives to you, make sure that you provide as much value back. You have expertise that others will need. Never doubt your skills and how they will be able to help others who lack that expertise.

Regardless choose your Board wisely. Evaluate your Board continually. Add to your Board to in areas you need strength.