The Confident Entrepreneur With Jennifer Ann Johnson
Jennifer is a multifaceted entrepreneur while also actively involved in her community. She owns True Fashionistas (Florida’s largest lifestyle resale store), CooiesCookies, Pink Farmhouse (online store), and Confident Entrepreneur, which encompasses her podcast, blog, motivational speaking, and coaching business for women entrepreneurs. Jennifer is an inspiration to other women business owners - showing it's possible to be successful in business while also making a difference and giving back to her community. Jennifer lives in Naples FL with her husband and twins.
The Confident Entrepreneur With Jennifer Ann Johnson
No One Succeeds Alone: Why You Need a Personal Board of Directors
Success doesn’t happen alone. Top professionals know that surrounding themselves with trusted advisors fast-tracks growth in ways solo effort can’t. That’s the idea behind building a personal board of directors—a handpicked team offering diverse guidance to help shape your career.
This board isn’t formal or rigid—it’s a mix of mentors, experts, and supporters who offer insight where you need it most, from finances and legal matters to emotional support and innovative thinking.
Start by identifying your gaps, then seek advisors who can help fill them. Be clear, respectful, and offer value in return. As your career grows, your board should evolve with you. So—who’s on your board? The right voices could change everything.
Visit us at jenniferannjohnson.com and learn how Jennifer can help you build the life you dream of with her online academy, blog, one-on-one coaching, and a variety of other resources!
Today, we're diving into the concept that could revolutionize your professional life creating your own personal board of directors. Now, I'm not talking about incorporating yourself or anything that formal. Instead, it's about strategically aligning yourself with key professionals and mentors who can guide you through your career journey. Just as your company benefits from the diverse expertise of its board, you too can leverage knowledge and experience of carefully chosen advisors. So let's explore how you can assemble your own dream team to support your professional growth and success. So what exactly do I mean by personal board of directors? Think of it as your own curated group of advisors, mentors and professionals who can offer guidance, support and expertise as you navigate your career. Unlike a corporate board, these individuals don't meet regularly or have any formal power over your decisions. Instead, they're people that you can turn to for advice, insights and sometimes a reality check. So you say why is this important? Well, in today's complex and rapidly changing business world, no one person can be an expert in everything. So by assembling a diverse group of advisors, you're essentially expanding your own knowledge base and perspective. This can lead to better decision-making, increased opportunities and faster professional growth. Now let's talk about who should be on this personal board of directors, and this can vary on your specific what you specifically do and your career goals.
Jennifer Johnson:There are some key things that everyone can actually benefit from, so the first is a financial advisor. It could be an accountant or a financial planner. They help you manage your money plan for taxes, make sound financial decisions and, in business, understanding the numbers is crucial, and this advisor ensures that you're on solid financial ground. The second is what I like to call my legal eagle, an attorney. There's someone who specializes in your industry or business type and they can help you navigate legal challenges, understand contracts and protect your assets. The third is the industry insider. It's somebody who's a veteran of your field. They can provide valuable insights into industry trends, potential opportunities and even pitfalls that you can avoid. The fourth is the mentor, a more experienced professional who's walked the path that you're on. They can offer career guidance and share their expertise and their experience and help you avoid common mistakes. Number five is the innovator, someone who's always on the cutting edge. Maybe they're in a different industry. They can help you think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to your challenges. And finally, the supporter. This could be a friend, a family member or a colleague who believes in you and your vision. They provide emotional support and encourage you when things get tough. Remember these roles don't have to be filled by different people. Sometimes one person may wear multiple hats on your board. That's okay.
Jennifer Johnson:So how do you go about building this personal board of directors? I'm going to give you a few practical steps. The first is to identify your needs. Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Where do you need the most guidance and support? Then look within your network. You probably already have people who are in your life who can fill those roles or expand your network. Attend industry events, join professional associations or maybe even use LinkedIn to help you find your potential advisors. Then you have to make the ask.
Jennifer Johnson:When you identify someone that you would like to have on your board, be clear about why you're asking and explain the concept and why you value their expertise. Be respectful of their time and remember that these people are doing you a favor. Be prepared when you seek their advice and be mindful of how often you reach out to them and then give back. Look for ways to add value to your advisor's lives too. Maybe you have skills or connections that could benefit them, and then keep them updated periodically, share your progress and let them know how their advice has helped you, because people like to know they're making a difference.
Jennifer Johnson:Remember that building your brand board is an ongoing process and as your career evolves, your needs are going to change and so may the composition of your board. I hope you're feeling inspired to start assembling your own personal board of directors. Remember, in business and in life, none of us succeed entirely on our own. By strategically aligning ourselves with experienced professionals and mentors, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that goes far beyond our own. Your personal board of directors can be a powerful tool for professional growth, decision-making and navigating the complex world of business. So take some time to think about who you'd like on your board. Who are the accountants, attorneys, industry veterans and mentors who could help guide you to success?
