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Increasing your visibility through service to your community is an important part of your business development plan but matching your choices to your passions is even more important. Board service is time consuming. When your service engages your passions and interests along with your goals, your participation is more meaningful and rewarding for you and the constituency you serve.

If you are considering board service or reviewing your current board service for a continued commitment, answering the following questions will help you reach a decision that serves you, the organization and your rainmaking goals.

Evaluate your board service

• Which board are you considering?
• What is the purpose of this organization?
• Why do you want to serve on this board?
• How aligned is this organization with your values, passions and goals?
• What board position are you considering or being recruited for?
• What is the term of service on the board?
• When are the board meetings and how often? What is the attendance requirement? Where are they held?
• What is the yearly financial contribution (including golf tournaments, etc.)?
• What committee work or service will you perform for the board?
• Are you expected to raise funds in addition to the above efforts? If so, how do you feel about that?
• Are board members covered by Officers and Directors liability insurance?
• What support will your firm provide for your board service?
• Who are the other board members you would be serving with?
• Have you read the annual report and bylaws? What issues or problems can you anticipate based on that information?
• How willing are you to commit the time and energy service on this board will require?
• How will you measure the return on your investment in serving on this board?
• On what other boards do you currently serve? 
• How effective have these organizations been in meeting your business and personal goals?
• How will you gracefully exit from those boards that no longer support your business and personal goals?

What did you decide? Will this board meet your goals? Will you continue with your current board service, exit or add this new board to your commitments? 

Until next time,

Robin