Many board candidates are attending high-level corporate governance conferences and educational events. They meet other directors and have the chance to develop relationships that may lead to being considered for a future board seat.
The best way to connect with professionals in this audience is to give them a very good reason. If you fail to specifically state your value proposition, you may inadvertently sabotage your own best efforts.
To prepare, here are a few ideas:
1. Why?
Have a compelling reason for why you want to be in the boardroom. Be prepared to answer the question, “Why did you decide to seek a board seat?”
2. How?
Know what it is that uniquely qualifies you for the position. A clear, concise value proposition will answer the question, “How would your background and skill set enhance a board?”
3. What?
Be able to explain what ties together past and current experiences in a way that is compelling and makes sense. Have an authentic human voice (over highly abstract or trophy-like statements ) and share your background. This information answers the often present but unspoken question around, “What is the glue that holds your story together?”
Whether you’re seeking a board seat or any other position, these questions can help you effectively connect with professionals at conferences and business events.
Tracy Houston
Tracy E. Houston, M.A., is the president of Board Resources Services, LLC. She is a refined specialist in board consulting and executive coaching with a heartfelt passion for rethinking performance, teams and the boardroom. Her company, Board Resource Services, LLC, is online at www.eboardmember.com and www.eboardguru.com. You can follow Tracy on Twitter @BoardGuru. Headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area, Tracy is an avid hiker.
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I guess it is all about justifying that seat. Although the questions here is not as specific as it only gives you common question words like ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘why’. It touches the specific questions that potential board members have to answer.