You’ve identified a potential advisor and determined that she is a good candidate to join the advisory board for your company. You are preparing for an upcoming meeting with her. Here are several questions to guide your conversation as you determine just how right the fit is:
- What interests you about joining an advisory board? This question gets to whether they are interested for mutual benefit or just for themselves.
- What skills and experience do you consider essential to someone serving on an advisory board?
- What skills would you bring to my company’s advisory board?
- What professional and personal experience do you have that will benefit my company? Ask this question instead of having the candidate recite their resume.
- What do you see as your strengths and how will they make you a good advisor?
- In what ways are you willing to assist the company? This will tell you if they are willing to open up their contacts to you.
- What previous board experience do you have and how has it assisted you in your professional life?
Depending on the answers you receive to the above questions you might also want to ask the more logistical questions below. It is better to know up front if a prospect has any logistical restrictions.
- How much time during the month can you devote to serving on an advisory board?
- What geographic and meeting time restrictions do you have?
- Would you be available between meetings for calls or meetings with the CEO and senior staff?
- Are you willing to serve in a pro bono capacity at least initially?
- Are you willing to sign the statement of roles & responsibilities which details what each party is responsible for? A copy will be made available in advance.
Once the discussion is over let the information sit for awhile. Do note your impressions after the meeting. In a day or two revisit the answers you received and your impressions to determine if the prospect is still a good choice.
