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As your career grows, your network should ideally grow along with it. or professional network ultimately expands your opportunities, helps you achieve your goals, and introduces you to industry people and experiences. Board positions are an essential element of any professional network.
I sat on my first board as a pre-teen when I served as a member of one of the first youth credit unions in my hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. It was a black-owned enterprise that was owned and operated by young people; it showed me the power of people coming together to pursue a goal and share ideas.
Fast forward to now, and, among other board positions, I am currently on National Women's Business Council, a nonpartisan federal advisory committee that serves as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the Administrator of the US Small Business Administration. From this position, I can influence government on issues of importance to women business owners and entrepreneurs.
As I've built a decades-long career as an entrepreneur and thought leader, I've seen the power board positions can have on one's professional life and influence, especially when you're starting out. More than just a resume booster, these opportunities can take your career in new directions. They can boost your confidence and skills. And, if you are an entrepreneur, they can attract funding and mentors for your ventures.
Conversely, companies with more diverse boards tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts. One last one McKinsey Insights the corporate diversity report shows that companies with diverse boards of directors, regardless of gender and ethnicity, outperform less diverse companies financially. I see these results in my daily work as an executive director The Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College. It is more necessary than ever boards to look for new individuals for these positions.
Board positions may include advisory boards for nonprofit and community organizations, boards of directors or trustees for startups and other organizations, and government boards and commissions. Even if your period is short or doesn't feel fruitful at the moment, there are benefits to be reaped from the experiences. When looking for positions, keep these factors in mind.
Connected: Thinking of joining a board? Here are the 3 things you should consider first
Think outside your personal box
From commercial businesses to institutes of higher education to community organizations, there are dozens of board opportunities to explore. Some of the boards I sit on now are ones I never would have considered early in my career. Those experiences have only expanded my skill sets and networking opportunities. Don't let your current role or interests dictate your search for a board position.
When looking for board positions, pay more attention to the job description than the industry. You can tailor your skills across fields; it's more important to make sure you get what you want from the position.
Check out company websites and traditional job boards like LinkedIn to find out what's out there and how the organization describes the position. Also, see how different organizations define board members vs. directors vs. committee members to determine the level of commitment. From that research, you can see how your perspective and skill set can add value to an organization.
Build on opportunities
The most coveted board positions are paid, but they are usually not available on the square. However, starting small doesn't mean you'll always be small. As you sit on the boards, you learn how they work – and how you work inside them. Every board position is an opportunity for him high skills and prepare for the next one.
Your first board position should give you perspective in five key areas:
- How can these opportunities fit into your schedule?
- What effort you can expand
- What training you need (this includes board specific training)
- In what areas of expertise do you feel comfortable leading people?
- How a board position can shape your short-term and long-term goals
With this knowledge, you can sketch the positions you want. It's a great exercise in professional self-discovery, as well as protecting yourself, your skills, and your influence. The sooner you start, the sooner you can find the optimal board opportunity.
Connected: What you need to know before joining a board
Consider your entire network
Don't wait for people to come to you. Your community is a great place to look for opportunities, especially for young leaders and entrepreneurs. Let them know you're looking for new opportunities with everyone in your professional network, even personal if you feel comfortable. This includes community organizers and leaders, mentors and former managers, coworkers, people you meet at conferences, and clients. Keep in touch with people and ask about the organizations and companies they belong to.
It is important to confidently convey how you can leverage your background and skill set when seeking board opportunities. Make sure you know how to sell yourself to these people. Keep your professional Marking and up-to-date, concise and consistent social media across all platforms.
Also look for positions that allow you to provide mentoring. Although you may not feel prepared to be a mentor early in your career, one day you may want to use that role. A favorable board position will provide clarity and insight into your professional life and possible ways to give back to your community and networks.
It's never too early to start building a portfolio and see what board opportunities are available to you. Ideally, your next board position brings you something new, whether it's a funding opportunity or business partner, an untapped skill, or a sense of accomplishment and community.