When it comes to making big decisions for your company, who do you turn to? If you’re not sure, then it might be time to consider forming an advisory board. Advisory boards can provide great help to companies by giving objective advice and counsel on important matters. In this blog post, we will discuss what an advisory board is, when a company needs one, the different roles of an advisory board, and how to choose the best one for your business. We will also discuss why FHC is a great choice for an advisory board and how we can help you grow your business.
What is an advisory board?
An advisory board is a group of individuals who are not employees of the company, but who are experts in their field and can provide advice and guidance on important matters. Advisory boards are usually formed by companies that are looking to expand into new markets or product lines, or that are facing significant changes in their industry. An advisory board may be concerned with the strategic direction of a business, the introduction and maintenance of appropriate corporate governance processes and procedures, or asking the right questions to help management make sound business decisions.
When does a company need the help of an advisory board?
There are many reasons why a company might want to form an advisory board. Some common reasons include:
- Wanting to expand into new markets or product lines: When it comes time to add new lines of business or enter a new market, advisory board members who are knowledgeable about that industry can help you vet the possibilities, ensuring you have all the information you need before committing to a major expenditure.
- Needing guidance on strategic decisions: A company needs an advisory board for strategic decision making because the company may not have the proper knowledge or resources to decide on an issue. Even if the company does, it is always good to get feedback from outside sources. Advisory boards are a form of a professional network that companies can tap into when needed. Proper advisory boards will have directors whose decisions will be binding enough to be taken seriously but not so binding that they cannot be reversed without significant consequences and negotiations.
- Dealing with industry changes: When a new entrant comes along offering a similar or better service for less, it’s time to make some changes. The better of the two competitors is rising above you, fast. In this instance, an advisory board’s primary function is to help the team identify what needs to change and how. Often it’s as simple as removing outdated assumptions and identifying new innovations in other industries that could be applied inside your company.
- Wanting to improve communication: A good advisory board can be instrumental in the success of a communications program. This group of key personnel will help in answering basic questions, guiding recruitment and selection, assessing performance measures, and evaluating proper program implementation. It is best to find an advisory board that is diverse in background and experience levels, with representation from all steps of the company’s communications strategy.
No matter what the reason, if a company feels like it could benefit from the advice of an objective group of experts, then it is probably time to form an advisory board.
What are the different roles of an advisory board?
There are many different ways that an advisory board can help a company. Some common roles include:
- providing advice on strategic decisions,
- acting as a sounding board for ideas,
- helping to identify new opportunities,
- offering guidance on financial matters,
- assisting with communication between the management team and the board of directors.
- Benchmarking and improving current governance frameworks against better practice
- Undertaking tailored board training around risk, strategy, and governance to assist boards to meet their fiduciary responsibilities.
- Undertaking board and board committee evaluations that identify areas of strength and weakness in skills, behaviours, board meeting effectiveness, board reporting, board composition, stakeholder engagement, risk and strategy
- Assisting with development of board support tools including board documents, policies and processes that underpin a robust governance framework of risk management, strategy formulation, monitoring and assurance
What are the characteristics of a good advisory board?
When building an advisory board, there are a few key characteristics to look for in potential members. Here are six of the most important:
First and foremost, you want your advisory board members to be knowledgeable about your industry. They should be able to provide insights and perspectives that you may not have considered. Additionally, they should be well-connected in your industry and be able to introduce you to new contacts.
Secondly, advisory board members should be able to provide valuable advice. They should have experience with starting and running businesses, and they should be able to offer guidance on key decisions you need to make.
Thirdly, advisory board members should be passionate about your company and its mission. They should believe in what you’re doing and want to help you succeed. This enthusiasm is essential for creating a positive working relationship with your team.
Fourthly, it’s important that your advisory board members are accessible. They should be willing to meet regularly and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, they should be responsive when you reach out for help.
Fifthly, advisory board members should be willing to contribute financially to your company. They don’t need to be major investors, but they should be willing to offer financial support. This can help you cover costs associated with running your business.
Finally, it’s important that your advisory board members are good team players. They should be able to work collaboratively with the rest of your staff and provide constructive feedback. Building a strong advisory board takes time and effort, but these six characteristics will help you find the right people for the job.
How to choose the best advisory board?
If you’re thinking about forming an advisory board, here are six tips on how to choose the best one for your business:
– Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by forming an advisory board? Once you know what your goals are, you can start looking for advisors who have the experience and expertise to help you reach them.
– Do your research: Don’t just choose any old advisory board. Take the time to do some research on different boards and find one that is a good fit for your company.
– Look for diversity: A great advisory board will have a mix of skills, backgrounds, and viewpoints. This will help ensure that you get a variety of perspectives when making decisions.
– Consider personalities: It’s important to make sure that the members of your advisory board mesh well together both professionally and personally. Otherwise, disagreements could cause problems down the road.
– Set expectations: Before you even start meeting with your advisory board, make sure that everyone is on the same page about what their roles and responsibilities will be.
– Have a plan: Don’t just wing it when it comes to your advisory board meetings. Make sure that you have a plan for each meeting, so that you can make the most of your time together.
Why should you choose FHC as your advisory board?
We are a group of experienced professionals who have a passion for helping businesses grow. We offer a variety of services, including advice on strategic decisions, financial matters, and communication between the management team and the board of directors. So, if you’re looking for a board that can help your business grow, FHC is the perfect choice.
Benefits of having an advisory board
An advisory board can provide your business with a variety of benefits, including…
Expertise: An advisory board can provide your business with access to expertise that you may not have. This can be especially helpful when it comes to developing new products or services, expanding into new markets or addressing complex challenges.
Objectivity: Advisory board members are typically impartial third parties who can offer objective feedback and advice. This is important, as it can help you make decisions based on what’s best for your business rather than personal biases or emotions.
Connections: Advisory board members often have strong networks of contacts that they can tap into when helping your business expand its reach. They may also be able to introduce you to other potential advisors, investors or customers.
Resources: A good advisory board will bring resources to the table that can help your business grow. This may include access to funding, business connections or other forms of support.
Accountability: An advisory board can hold you accountable for meeting your goals and objectives. This is important, as it can help keep you focused and on track as you work to grow your business.
Flexibility: Advisory boards are typically flexible in terms of how they operate. This means that they can be adapted to meet the changing needs of your business over time.
If you’re looking for ways to take your business to the next level, an advisory board may be a good option for you. These seven benefits are just a few of the many reasons why having an advisory can be beneficial for your business.
In conclusion, an advisory board can be a great resource for companies looking to expand into new markets or product lines, make strategic decisions, or improve communication between management and the board of directors.
