Don’t just sit on a board, get involved!

Take your time researching various boards and select a few organizations that are aligned with your personal interests, values and goals. Building relationships with those who share common interests and passions is far more fulfilling for you and the organization. Even before joining the board, get involved somehow; become known. Regularly attend their events and meetings, but don’t overdo it. You don’t need to attend all their events. Try out a few different lunches, happy hours, etc. and find the one that best meets your needs (timing, location, audience, etc.) As you become a regular face within the organization, ask about the process to join committees, take on leadership roles, and board member selection.Example: After looking for just the right organization to build relationships, Jane found a group where her peers, ideal clients, and great referral sources gathered. The group met every other month, which worked well with Jane’s schedule and other commitments. She attended regularly, and built a relationship with one of the board members by offering to be a sounding board for a project she was working on. She learned how they selected speakers so that she could eventually throw her hat in the ring. As the relationships grew, she felt comfortable asking about the board member selection process. In this contact, she had developed an advocate who promoted Jane as a new member.Tip: Pick 2 organizations or boards and get immersed in them. Go deeper, rather than wider; get involved.Beware: Don’t spread yourself thin.If you have any questions about joining boards to build your influence in the community, or on any other career - related subject, please schedule a complimentary consultation with me. I would love to be a trusted resource you can count on.