A well-run, efficient business or non-profit requires an effective board of directors. A board member should bring a variety of skills and knowledge to the table to make strategic decisions and planning. They should also be a good communicator who can remain in touch between meetings and be proactive with networking, fundraising, and other crucial tasks.

You should consider a range of independent candidates who are acquainted with your industry and who have the same vision and mission as you. They could include trusted mentors like attorneys, CPAs and fellow entrepreneurs. It is also helpful to include board members with prior experience on the board.

During the vetting process, make sure that the candidate is truly interested and willing to commit to becoming an active board member. It’s a significant commitment and could not be a great match for all.

It is also important to know what other commitments they have in their lives and be realistic about how much time they are willing to give the board. A board that is not performing or is overloaded is not efficient.

In general, it’s ideal to have an even number of board members to avoid ties. You need to have enough members for quorum and for the board to work, but you also want to be able receive good advice from the board without getting distracted with too many voices.

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