How to Build Your Board Portfolio of Appointments in the First Year

Aspiring board directors often need help gaining access to the unadvertised board director market and building a portfolio of appointments in their first year. The key to success lies in developing your board value proposition, board director branding and thought leadership, networking, and identifying the right initial board director appointments. Here are some practical suggestions to help you achieve these goals.

Develop Your Board Value Proposition

Your board value proposition is critical to your board director branding and thought leadership. It should articulate what you bring to the board regarding business strategy, risk management, governance, compliance in NFP sectors, and other aspects unique to your profile. Your value proposition should be tailored to the specific boards and industries you are targeting and reflect your experience, skills, and qualifications.

Build Your Board Director Branding and Thought Leadership

Your board director branding and thought leadership is essential to building your reputation and visibility as a board director. Develop a strong LinkedIn profile that showcases your expertise, qualifications, and experience and highlights your interest in board appointments. Use LinkedIn to publish articles and share insights on topics related to your target industries and boards. Join LinkedIn groups related to your target industries and boards, and engage with other members to build your network.

Network

Networking is essential to building your board portfolio of appointments. Attend board director events and conferences, join industry associations, and participate in webinars and other virtual events. Use your board value proposition and board director branding and thought leadership to introduce yourself to other board directors, chairman, non-executive directors, and advisory board members. Connect with them on LinkedIn and follow up with a personalized message expressing your interest in board appointments.

Identify the Right Initial Board Director Appointments

Identifying suitable initial board director appointments is crucial to building your board portfolio in the first year. Look for opportunities in industries and sectors where you have relevant experience and qualifications. Consider joining the board of a not-for-profit organization or a smaller, privately-held company as a stepping stone to more significant board appointments.

Building your board portfolio of appointments in the first year requires hard work, dedication, and persistence. By developing your board value proposition, board director branding and thought leadership, networking, and identifying the right initial board director appointments, you can succeed in the unadvertised board director market.

#BoardAppointments?#BoardPortfolio?#BoardDirector?#DirectorInstitute?#Networking?#ThoughtLeadership