In my book Designing Your Destiny, I refer to Upside Impact Partners, or your UIPs that care as much about you and your business as you do. Your UIPs are your VIPs because they understand who you are and have joined in the cause of helping you get where you want to be.

In building authentic relationships, you’re hoping to create these UIPs along the way. Creating an incredible relationship actually paves the way for a partnership. Some people call them a board of directors of a board of advisors. UIPs or partnerships, whether you call them that or not, are critical to success in business and in life.

Think about all of the people with whom you are connected. At this moment, do you have 10 strategic business partnerships, advisors, or UIPs in your corner who are strong professionals? If so, then kudos to you! (What are you doing to strengthen those relationships?) And, if not, why don’t you start recruiting today?