A well-run, efficient business or non-profit requires an effective board of directors. A member of the board should bring a range of skills knowledge, experience and insight to the table for strategic decision-making and planning. They must be able communicate well, stay in contact between meetings and be proactive when it comes time to fundraising and networking.

When selecting the right board member for your company take into consideration a range of independent candidates who know your field and who share your vision and mission. They might include trusted mentors, such as attorneys, CPAs and fellow entrepreneurs. It is also helpful to have board members with prior experience on the board.

During the screening process, ensure that the candidate is committed and interested to becoming a board member. It’s a significant commitment and could not be a great choice for all.

You should also ask them about their other commitments and be realistic in terms of how much time they are able to commit to the board. A board that isn’t doing its job or is overloaded is not efficient.

In general, it’s ideal to have an even number of board members in order to prevent ties. There should be sufficient board members to guarantee the quorum of the board, but also to be able to receive good advice without being overloaded by too many voices.

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