Growing a successful career is a lot like nurturing a business. It takes investment, some marketing, and, most importantly, smart advisors invested in its success.

In her session on career growth through mentorships Senior Consultant for the Mentoring Women's Network Elcira Villarreal gave Connections attendees ideas for getting the most out of mentorships by building a personal board of directors. In a company the board is comprised of varying expertise with individuals offering advice based on their personal strengths and passions.

Your personal BOD benefits from a similar approach. "People with different perspectives give you a broader understanding of you," Villarreal said.

She outlined eight personalities to consider including in your personal BOD:

The Accountability Partner
This person holds you accountable for your actions and nudges you when you're stuck. He/she is the person that calls you on your crap.

Motivator
The Motivator is your cheerleader when times are tough.

Role Model
The Role Model has been around the block a few times. He/she is a subject matter expert. They've been there and done that and are happy to share the lessons they've learned along the way.

Connector
The Connector knows your organization really well and can help you navigate the politics and personalities successfully. If you're working in a big company, you might need more than one Connector.

Strategist
This person helps you think through different scenarios to find the best path to success.

Proofer
This is the person that helps you review and think critically about your work. You might go to the proofer to, for example, vet the tone of an important email.

Specialist
Specialists have expertise in areas where you fall short. They're the people that can give you enough information to do your job without your needing to get a PhD.

Thinker
The Thinker helps you consider different angles to a problem. They're the people who act as Devil's advocate. They help you see other solutions you may not have considered.

Building a personal BOD takes time and a willingness to engage with individuals in an open and mutually-beneficial relationship. Cultivating these partnerships can be difficult and Villarreal offered seven steps to help you find the right mentors to make you successful:

1. Identify what you want in a mentor.
2. Determine background skills you need in a mentor.
3. Examine options.
4. Take a test drive to see if the mentor is a good fit.
5. Identify ways you can help your mentor.
6. List individuals and create a plan to maintain the relationships.
7. Ensure your mentors feel appreciated by saying thank you and keeping in touch.

Successful careers don't happen by accident or overnight-they're the result of hard work and the careful nurturing of relationships. Building brand YOU is a life-long pursuit, and as Villarreal said, "Mentoring is about learning and I think we're never too old to learn."

Download or view the slides from Villarreal's presentation below and view all the slides from 2014 Connections presenters.