Securing a seat on a corporate board is a significant milestone in any career. But landing that coveted position is just the beginning. It’s a common misconception that once you’ve secured your first board seat, opportunities will naturally start flowing your way. As you’re likely aware, this isn’t the case—otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this. So, how can you maximize your impact and pave the way for future opportunities?
1. Maintaining and Growing Your Network
To advance further in your board career, it’s crucial to refine your networking skills. Your network was instrumental in getting you onto the board, and it will be just as critical as you seek additional board positions. This involves not just knowing what to say, when, and how, but also understanding who to connect with and how to maintain those relationships. Effective networking is strategic, and it requires more than just basic knowledge. It’s about discipline and consistency—principles that we’ve mastered through years of experience. As one of our members aptly put it, networking might seem like “Networking 101,” but it’s the discipline behind it that truly yields results.
2. Refining Your Board Bio and Elevator Pitch
Your board bio and elevator pitch are essential tools in your professional toolkit. They should evolve as you gain more experience and expertise, reflecting your growth and the unique value you bring to the table. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to crafting a board bio; ask five different people, and you’ll likely get five different answers. However, with over 20 years of experience working in this field—day in and day out—and after countless conversations with board members, including many nominating and governance chairs, we understand precisely what boards are looking for.
A compelling elevator pitch and board bio are essential. It’s not enough to assume that people will recognize your worth simply because you’re an experienced director. You must clearly articulate the unique value you bring to the table, ensuring that your message is both memorable and persuasive. As you take on new roles or acquire additional skills, your bio and elevator pitch needs to reflect these updates.
3. Evolving Your Personal Branding
Your personal brand involves positioning yourself as an experienced, trustworthy, and knowledgeable candidate. This includes your LinkedIn and cover letters. Your LinkedIn profile should be regularly updated and refined to reflect your board aspirations and experience. Best practices for cover letters continue to change and you’ll need to know what boards are looking for in order to stand out. We’ve helped hundreds of women stand out from the crowd with cover letters that align with their personal brand and move them to the next step in the interview process.
4. Continuing Education on Boardroom Topics
The corporate landscape is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Directors who are informed about the latest trends, regulations, and best practices are better equipped to contribute to board discussions, make informed decisions and land additional board seats. You can view our library of recorded webinars here.
Sheila Ronning, CEO & Founder, Women in the Boardroom.
© 2024, Women in the Boardroom. All rights reserved.
