Ask HN: How Do You Keep Advisors (Both Formal and Informal) Informed/Engaged?
1 comments
Is it hard to make sure you get the most out of relationships from advice-givers?
In my experience, yes. I would assume you're seeking advice from successful people. Successful people are busy.
Just curious to know some methods you use.
I send weekly updates (same day and approximate time so they can expect it) on progress, challenges/solutions, and next steps. This is so they can be "in-the-loop" without actually being involved in what's happening. It keeps what I'm doing in their minds so they can think over things as time permits and not get a dump once every quarter.
Then I meet once a month with them to discuss strategy, results, and how we're going to move forward. This is a discussion that's scheduled for the first Thursday of every month. They do their best to be there and it's easier for them to accommodate because the day/time is known well in advance.
Is it a perfect model? No. But I don't seem to run into the same problems I hear from others in my city (not a startup town, others have problems with feedback/face-time).
The greatest thing I've learned from this is: your success is up to you. Don't wait for their feedback, don't rely on their feedback for the answers, and don't get frustrated if you're not getting what you hope for. It's your business and its success is your responsibility. Keep going and focus on what you can deliver to your customers.
In my experience, yes. I would assume you're seeking advice from successful people. Successful people are busy.
Just curious to know some methods you use.
I send weekly updates (same day and approximate time so they can expect it) on progress, challenges/solutions, and next steps. This is so they can be "in-the-loop" without actually being involved in what's happening. It keeps what I'm doing in their minds so they can think over things as time permits and not get a dump once every quarter.
Then I meet once a month with them to discuss strategy, results, and how we're going to move forward. This is a discussion that's scheduled for the first Thursday of every month. They do their best to be there and it's easier for them to accommodate because the day/time is known well in advance.
Is it a perfect model? No. But I don't seem to run into the same problems I hear from others in my city (not a startup town, others have problems with feedback/face-time).
The greatest thing I've learned from this is: your success is up to you. Don't wait for their feedback, don't rely on their feedback for the answers, and don't get frustrated if you're not getting what you hope for. It's your business and its success is your responsibility. Keep going and focus on what you can deliver to your customers.
Awesome, thanks so much for the input. How much time does it take you to do those weekly updates and face-to-face meets?
It takes me anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour for my weekly e-mails and our monthly meetings last about two and a half hours on average.
Do you meet with all mentors/advisers at the same time/place?
Every month, yes. I also meet with each individually when required/as time permits.
Do you know if these advisors advise multiple other startups or entrepreneurs? When you meet with them individually, is it usually something fresh from each of them or do they repeat the the same things over?
All of them advise other startups and have their own companies/practices to run.
As mentioned earlier, I update them at the same time every week so they're up to date on what's happening. In fact, if they didn't make the effort to be up to date I would cut them from my Board of Advisors. I'm not sure anything really valuable can be distilled if they don't know what's happening and keep asking the same questions.
As mentioned earlier, I update them at the same time every week so they're up to date on what's happening. In fact, if they didn't make the effort to be up to date I would cut them from my Board of Advisors. I'm not sure anything really valuable can be distilled if they don't know what's happening and keep asking the same questions.
Is it hard to make sure you get the most out of relationships from advice-givers?