You've survived the heady days of starting a business venture and obtaining seed money. You're confident you can take it to the next level. But to successfully scale a business, you'll need guidance and oversight. That's where a board of directors comes in.

 

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Here are some key qualities to look for in potential board members:

  • Experience
    Identify seasoned professionals who can add value, insight, credibility and experience to guide your company.
  • A willingness to push you
    Look for individuals who are going to challenge your ideas and strategies to help you get to the next level.
  • Specialized knowledge
    Tap individuals with unique skills to create well-rounded thought leadership around the boardroom table.
  • An understanding of the big picture
    Your board members aren’t there to get in the weeds. You want them to have a broad vision, and to be in tune with what’s happening out there in the world.
  • A network
    The best directors know lots of people—contacts that are aware of pending changes to regulations, know talent outside your circle, or have the inside scoop on office space or suppliers.
  • An ability to raise your profileThere’s great value in board members who can open doors to public-speaking opportunities, introduce you to decision-makers, and promote your brand.

When hiring a director, there’s a lot to consider. This individual will be your partner, advocate, co-strategist and a key investor in your success.

Here are some key questions to ask when hiring a director:

  • What else have you invested in?
    Explore whether there are synergies that can be leveraged between their investments.
  • Can you introduce us to your network?
    Remember, this individual’s rolodex is one of his or her most valuable contributions to your company.
  • Have you operated a startup before?
    If you only look at the financials of a startup, they don’t always make sense. The market may not exist yet, the need may not be established, and everything is new. You need someone who has been there before, and has the ability to envision a new market.

When you’re running a business, relationships are key to your success. As you scale up and even look to go public, you’ll need a board that’s behind you every step of the way, and shares your vision for the company you’ve started. Select carefully, take your time, and hire outside help if you need a professional opinion throughout this important process.
 

As Senior Vice-President, Office of the CEO, John advises the executive leadership on emerging trends in Canada’s economy, providing insights grounded in his travels across the country and around the world. His work focuses on technological change and innovation, examining how to successfully navigate the new economy so more people can thrive in the age of disruption. Prior to joining RBC, John spent nearly 25 years at the Globe and Mail, where he served as editor-in-chief, editor of Report on Business, and a foreign correspondent in New Delhi, India. Having interviewed a range of prominent world leaders and figures, including Vladimir Putin, Kofi Annan, and Benazir Bhutto, he possesses a deep understanding of national and international affairs. In the community, John serves as a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs, C.D. ‎Howe Institute and is a member of the advisory council for both the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute and the Canadian International Council. John is the author of four books: Out of Poverty, Timbit Nation, and Mass Disruption: Thirty Years on the Front Lines of a Media Revolution and Planet Canada: How Our Expats Are Shaping the Future.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.