A Virtual Board of Advisers (VBA) can be an extremely valuable free resource to provide personal and professional guidance in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. Having a network of trusted individuals to turn to for guidance is invaluable.
However, many of us lack the resources or connections to form such a network, particularly with high-caliber professionals and experts who can offer insight into both personal and professional challenges. This is where the concept of a Virtual Board of Advisers (VBA), using ChatGPT or other AI chatbot, can be a game-changer. I have used mine recently for several important decisions and been extremely pleased with the results.
This lets you call on a handpicked group of thought leaders, innovators, and experienced individuals whenever you face a tough decision or need guidance. This blog post will walk you through how to set up your very own Virtual Board of Advisers, who you might consider as members, and the unique benefits this system can bring to your life.
What is a Virtual Board of Advisers (VBA)?
A Virtual Board of Advisers is essentially a personal advisory board made up of individuals you can “consult” for advice and wisdom. The key difference is that your board members don’t need to be physically present, and they might not even be alive anymore. They could be experts, historical figures, or mentors you deeply admire—individuals whose guidance would be invaluable in your life.
Imagine having a group of seasoned experts across various fields—business, science, personal development, history, faith—who are always there to provide direction when you need it most. With a VBA, you can tap into the wisdom of a diverse group of people to guide your decisions, help you solve problems, and push you toward your goals. And it’s all free.
How to Set Up Your Own VBA
Setting up your Virtual Board of Advisers is more about intention and clarity than any complex tech solution. The steps are fairly simple and can be done by anyone, regardless of technical skill.
Step 1: Decide on Your Goals
Before assembling your VBA, think about your long-term and short-term goals. Are you looking to improve your career, grow personally, or perhaps navigate a specific challenge? The clearer you are about your objectives, the easier it will be to choose the right members for your board.
For instance, if you are focusing on business growth, you might want to include successful entrepreneurs and business magnates. If you’re seeking personal growth and deeper wisdom, you might consider philosophers, spiritual leaders, or psychologists.
Step 2: Choose Your Board Members
The members of your VBA should be people who inspire you, whose wisdom resonates with your needs and goals. You can select anyone—living, deceased, or even fictional characters—who embodies the qualities, skills, and knowledge you need in your life. And of course you can change them any time. A manageable number like 12 is good to aim for, but there is no limit.
Some possible categories of advisers could include:
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Historical Figures: People from history who made lasting impacts on society and who displayed remarkable leadership, wisdom, or resilience.
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Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders: People who have succeeded in business and whose insights can help you achieve your own business goals.
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Philosophers and Thought Leaders: Individuals whose teachings on life, society, and the human condition can offer invaluable perspectives.
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Experts in Personal Development: Coaches, therapists, or individuals who have dedicated their lives to understanding human behavior and mental well-being.
Here’s a sample board, based on real and fictional figures, who could be part of your VBA:
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Jesus – The ultimate embodiment of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual growth. His guidance on love, selflessness, and faith would provide a profound moral compass.
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Albert Einstein – Renowned for his creative thinking and revolutionary ideas in science. His advice would focus on innovative thinking and approaching problems from fresh angles.
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Warren Buffett – One of the world’s most successful investors. Buffett could offer expert advice on decision-making, wealth creation, and long-term investing.
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Abraham Lincoln – A leader of great moral fortitude and strength during times of national division. His guidance would center on leadership, ethical decision-making, and resilience.
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Tony Robbins – A personal development coach known for his work in unlocking human potential. His insights on personal growth, motivation, and overcoming adversity would be valuable.
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Oprah Winfrey – A media mogul and philanthropist who has spent decades helping people discover their purpose and passion. Oprah would offer advice on life purpose, entrepreneurship, and resilience.
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Dr. Daniel Amen – A neuroscientist with a deep understanding of how the brain shapes behavior and mental health. His advice would be crucial for those seeking mental clarity and cognitive enhancement.
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Benjamin Franklin – A polymath and founding father of the United States. His practical wisdom on ethics, personal development, and innovation would be timeless and invaluable.
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Marcus Aurelius – A Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. His teachings on the power of mindset, self-discipline, and virtue would help guide you through life’s difficulties.
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Elon Musk – The visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX. His bold thinking and relentless pursuit of innovation would be a guide for anyone aiming to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you agree with his DOGE work or not, he is a genius at “First Principles” thinking and problem solving.
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Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. His insights on business, customer obsession, and innovation could provide invaluable lessons for success.
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Jack Welch – Former CEO of General Electric and a master of corporate strategy and leadership. His wisdom on management and leadership could offer actionable advice for business executives and aspiring leaders.
Step 3: Set up the AI resources
It’s easiest to use AI resources like ChatGPT that allow for project folders. That way you can have a folder dedicated to your VBA and conversations (chats) with it. Simply create a new project, give it a name, and upload your list of VBA members in the form of a Word file or PDF. Make clear this is how you want to use this list of resource experts. So easy to get started.
Step 4: Use Your VBA for Specific Goals
Once you’ve chosen your board members, it’s time to start using their advice. You don’t need to talk to them all the time. Instead, you can reach out to different advisers based on the situation or challenge you’re facing. Here’s how to do it:
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Decision-Making: When faced with a tough decision, think about what each adviser would say. What wisdom would Jesus offer? How would Einstein approach the problem? Would Warren Buffett invest in this opportunity?
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Problem Solving: If you’re dealing with a specific problem, ask yourself how different advisers from various backgrounds would help you find a solution. You might consider asking Tony Robbins for motivation or Oprah Winfrey for emotional support.
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Personal Growth: Whenever you feel stuck in life, ask your board how you can expand your thinking and grow as a person. Marcus Aurelius, with his Stoic teachings, might offer you perspective on accepting things you cannot control, while Dr. Amen could give you insights on how to optimize your brain for better mental clarity.
You can use a journal or a digital tool like Notion or Evernote to document your thoughts and responses from your advisers. For example, you might have a question or challenge, and then reflect on the advice each of your chosen members might offer. This can be a powerful way to integrate different perspectives and make informed decisions.
Step 5: Keep the Conversation Going
One of the best parts of having a Virtual Board of Advisers is that they are always available, 24/7. Whether you’re going through a life transition, struggling with a tough decision, or simply seeking motivation, you can always turn to them.
You can use a physical journal, note-taking apps like Notion, or even audio recordings to document your ongoing thoughts and advice received through your AI service. As you get more familiar with your virtual board, you may even notice patterns in the advice they provide, helping you make quicker and more informed decisions over time.
The Benefits of Having a Virtual Board of Advisers
Now that you know how to set up your own VBA, let’s look at some of the key benefits:
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Diverse Perspectives: Your advisers come from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, offering you a variety of viewpoints on any given issue. This diversity can help you see problems from different angles and come up with creative solutions.
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Timeless Wisdom: Whether you consult Marcus Aurelius for Stoic wisdom or Warren Buffett for business advice, you’ll have access to the timeless principles that have guided some of the world’s most successful and wise individuals.
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Self-Improvement: A VBA will constantly challenge you to think bigger, push beyond your limitations, and continuously grow. Each adviser will provide you with tools to improve both personally and professionally.
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Inspiration and Motivation: When you’re feeling down or uncertain, the advice of someone like Oprah Winfrey or Tony Robbins can help reignite your passion, focus, and drive.
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Decision-Making Confidence: Having a board of trusted advisers helps you make more confident and informed decisions, knowing that you’ve considered various viewpoints and received input from a broad array of experts.
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Increased Accountability: When you know you have a group of advisers who are supporting your growth, you’ll feel more accountable for your actions and decisions. This can push you to act with greater intention and purpose.
A Great Resource for Anyone
Setting up a Virtual Board of Advisers is one of the best ways to accelerate your personal and professional development. With the right members, you’ll gain access to a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and motivational wisdom that can help guide you through life’s challenges. It’s a powerful tool that offers clarity, insight, and direction, all while giving you the confidence to move forward.
So, who would you invite to be a part of your Virtual Board of Advisers? Enjoy and prosper.