Here are 7 sure ways (plus a bonus) to get ahead of the pack.
- Make it known that you are looking
- Contact head hunters and board recruiters
- Brand yourself appropriately
- Know what you have to offer
- Be patient
- Acquire industry knowledge
- Prepare a board CV
It’s not complicated, but it takes time and requires perseverance. Very few independent directors had their board seats handed to them. Many worked at it over a long period. If you’re desirous of building a board career, now is the best time to work at it.
Here’s how to activate your desired board career;
- Make it known that you are looking. Discuss with your network and have conversations with influential persons who are positioned to recommend you for a role. Simple right?!
- Contact head hunters and board recruiters. They maintain a database and are more than happy to add you to their portfolio. You will most definitely receive an initial discovery call within 18months and most likely land a board role in another few months.
- Brand yourself appropriately. Your digital footprints will propel you. A comprehensive branding strategy will give you the right mileage. LinkedIn is a brilliant way to start. Update your profile (your picture, (yes, your professional picture tells a story), include relevant experiences and join groups and communities).
- Know what you have to offer and be ready to answer the questions; which industry interests you, how much time can you dedicate, what are your unique experiences, do you hold any professional memberships?
- Be patient. Landing a board role takes time. There isn’t an abundance of roles and the existing roles open up every 4years or so. Whilst you wait, expand your network and move into circles of influence. One advantage external directors add to a board is a ‘rich network’. You will need this network to sustain your executive influence, so build whilst you wait!
- Acquire relevant industry knowledge in your area of interest whilst you wait. Are there specific regulatory requirements you need to be aware of? Does your industry regulator prescribe that you meet a minimum requirement as a board member?
- Prepare a board CV and have this available should an opportunity open up. A board CV is very different from a regular CV or an executive CV. Need help writing one? Contact us at bodx@runbalconsulting.com
- Look for non-paying board roles and serve for free. Serving on the boards of non-profit organizations and schools provide you with great apprenticeship and experience, allowing you to fully prepare yourself for a paid board role. There are several opportunities to offer short-term advisory roles, both paid and unpaid. This enhances your profile and positions you for a successful board career. Check out https://register.advisorycloud.com/start/ for remote board advisory roles.
READY, SET, GO!
Pearl Gborglah
Founder, BoDx