So, you’ve built up your business, you’ve made a lot of money and things are going well. You’re a successful business leader, a millionaire CEO that others are inspired by. But, do you have the support you need when things get tough? Regardless of how successful you are and how much your business has grown, you’re always going to face challenges as a CEO. When that happens, do you have a high-net-worth network to guide you towards solutions?
If you ask any CEO, they’re likely to tell you the same thing; the more successful you get, the smaller your circle becomes. You might be surrounded by people all day, but the people you can truly trust can be few and far between. You can’t afford to surround yourself with people who only say yes to keep you happy, who only want to work with you to boost their own career. You need an elite network of truthful, loyal and insightful friends and colleagues, people who you can really rely on.
The Role of a Trusted Inner Circle and Strategic Counsel
It’s not enough to have a LinkedIn network, or an executive team whose wages you pay. It’s not even enough to have a couple of friends who know a little bit about the business. You need a select few people who you can really rely on when things get tough. This strategic counsel needs to understand your industry and business, and have experience with navigating similar pressure. They need to be able to offer strategic insights, and not filter their input based on what they think you want to hear.
But, it’s not all about business mentorship, they also need to be able to protect your confidentiality, call you out when you’re doing something wrong, and celebrate your wins just as much as you do. This high-net-worth network can’t be based solely on who works in a similar sector, or who is at a similar point in their career, because these things don’t always matter. It’s more important to build an elite network that’s aligned with you, regardless of age, expertise and industry.
Why an Inner Circle is Essential for CEOs
Once your hard work has paid off and you’ve reached CEO status, things change. You’re expected to have all the answers, a clear vision and the ability to manage a crisis without thinking twice. Everyone is relying on you, and things can be lonely. You’re no longer part of a team, and you don’t have a group of colleagues to work alongside in the same way you used to. This is why you need to build a strategic council and trusted inner circle, so you’re not facing everything alone.
- You Need a Safe Space to Think Out Loud – There are bound to be conversations that you can’t have with your executive team, board or investors. You’re not going to want all of your concerns to be public knowledge, not until you have a plan of action. Some issues require sounding out before you try and find a solution, and a trusted inner circle is the perfect space for that. You can be vulnerable and unsure, knowing that you won’t be seen as weak or failing.
- High-Calibre Conversations Give You an Advantage – Your inner circle isn’t about emotional support alone, it’s about intellectual conversations and insight. You need people who improve your thinking, expand your perspective and help you to stay ahead of your competitors. You need to be clear about your vision and business strategy, and a high-net-worth network can help you to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.
- They Protect You from Blind Spots – When you’re used to being the smartest, most successful person in the room, it’s easy to overestimate your clarity and abilities as a CEO. Your inner circle can challenge assumptions, offer alternative views and help you to get back on track before it costs you. There’s not a lot of opportunity for business mentorship when you’re at the top, but turning to your peers ensures you’re seeing things from all perspectives. They’re the eyes at the back of your head.
- They Help You to Stay Composed During Crises – There’s no knowing what’s around the corner in business, and as a CEO, there’s always the chance it’s a crisis. Whether it’s a PR problem or a legal battle, or instability within your executive team, a trusted inner circle will help you to stay calm, composed and clear headed as you weather the storm.
- They Keep You Grounded – Let’s face it, being a CEO is something to brag about, and it’s very easy to let success go to your head. Your elite network should be made up of people who knew you before the spotlight was on you, who aren’t impressed by titles or how much money you’ve made. They’ll help you to stay grounded and self-aware, even as your success reaches new heights.
How to Build an Inner Circle You Can Trust
Building a trusted inner circle doesn’t happen by accident; you can’t simply pick a handful of people you know in the industry and expect them to fulfil that role. It comes through making intentional connections, and purposely forming relationships with people who can provide mentorship, guidance and insights, as well as a reality check when you need one. This is where business networking comes in.
By attending exclusive networking events, you can connect with the right people, enabling you to create a trusted circle for confidential support and high-calibre conversations. Apply for Membership today!
