If you’re finding it difficult to secure the board roles you aspire to, you’re not alone. Many clients come to me frustrated, unable to break through in the competitive board search market. After working with countless aspiring board directors, I’ve identified three key reasons why their strategies often fall short. If any of these resonate with you, it might be time to reconsider your approach.
1. Over-Reliance on the Advertised Board Search Market
One of the most common mistakes is focusing exclusively on the advertised board search market. This typically means applying to roles listed on platforms like the AICD job board, Women on Boards, LinkedIn, or Seek. While these platforms can be useful, relying solely on them is a flawed strategy.
Here’s why: the competition is fierce. The number of candidates seeking board roles has increased dramatically, making it harder than ever to stand out. When you limit yourself to advertised roles, you’re essentially doing the bare minimum—sending out applications and hoping for the best. Unfortunately, hope isn’t a strategy. To truly succeed, you need to go beyond what everyone else is doing.
2. Inadequate Branding and Presentation
The second major issue is poor branding and presentation. When someone Googles your name, what do they see? If they find profiles that depict you as a project manager, Chief Technology Officer, lawyer, or Chief Financial Officer—but not a board member—there’s a disconnect. Your brand is not aligned with your goal of securing a board position.
Your board resume, LinkedIn profile, and other online presence must clearly communicate your suitability for board roles. Even if you’re an aspiring board director, you need to “play the game” and present yourself as someone who belongs in the boardroom. If your brand doesn’t align with this image, you may never get the chance to even have a conversation with decision-makers.
3. Lack of Strategic Networking
The final, and perhaps most critical, reason why many struggle to secure board roles is the absence of effective networking. It’s not enough to apply for roles and hope to be noticed—you need to actively connect with the right people.
Networking with chairs, Non-Executive Directors, industry leaders, and partners in law and accounting firms is essential. These are the people who influence decisions about who joins the board. If you’re not engaging with them, you’re missing out on crucial opportunities to position yourself as a candidate.
Simply put, if you’re not prepared to invest time and effort into networking, you’ll likely struggle to build a successful board director career.
How to Turn Your Board Search Strategy Around
If your board search strategy isn’t yielding the results you want, it’s time to assess and adjust your approach. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:
- Diversify Your Approach: Don’t rely solely on advertised roles. Explore hidden opportunities by leveraging your network, attending industry events, and making direct connections with decision-makers.
- Enhance Your Personal Brand: Make sure your online presence reflects your aspirations to join a board. Your board resume, LinkedIn profile, and any other public-facing information should align with the image of a credible board member.
- Invest in Networking: Start building relationships with the people who have the power to influence your board appointments. Attend relevant events, join industry groups, and don’t hesitate to reach out and connect.
By addressing these three areas, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the board roles you’re aiming for.
Call to Action
If you’re struggling with your board search strategy, don’t go it alone. Book a complimentary board career assessment with me today, and let’s work together to refine your approach and position you for success in the boardroom. Click here to schedule your session and take the first step toward achieving your board appointment goals.
