How can you get business while also respecting The Rules?

Consider chasing after business as the third rail when serving on a board. People will know and it will not go well for you. Here are some ways you can get things moving in the right direction:

Approach your sponsor. It is unlikely you were elevated to a board position within the organization because the nominating committee happened to notice you. Someone on the board noticed your talent, befriended you and acted as your champion, getting your name before the nominating committee. In my case, this took years! Strategy: Approach your sponsor. Explain you understand and respect The Rules. You know you cannot solicit business from fellow board members. Ask if your sponsor does business with fellow board members or vice versa. If they say yes, ask how that came about. Did the other person approach them? Your sponsor knows who has recently bought or started a business. They know who has different needs. They are well positioned to put a few words into the right ears. They can tell your story.
Approach the board chair. They run the show. They along with the president and fellow officers make the big decisions at the Executive Committee level, which they bring to the board for approval. They might not know you that well yet. Strategy: After you have served on some committees and attended a few meetings, sit down with them privately. Explain you know how The Rules work. Mention what you do professionally. "I would like to raise my visibility. How can I do that?" One of two things might happen: They might suggest an event sponsorship opportunity or a leadership role on a committee. They can also whisper in the right people's ear when they match up a likely business need with your professional skills.
Meet individually with each fellow board member. This takes time, but the rewards can be great. In many cases, board members only see each other for a couple of hours at board meetings every few months. Polite conversation is as familiar as they get. These are high-net-worth individuals who are unreachable in your professional life. Strategy: After you have joined the board, over time, contact each fellow board member individually and arrange to get together 1:1 for coffee, lunch or drinks. Tell them you are thrilled to serve on the board. Mention a bit about the Mission and why you support the organization. Ask them about their professional background. They will likely ask the same of you. Ask how they got involved with the organization. What do they think are the most pressing issues facing the group? Mention your traits, interests and skills. How do they think you can be of most benefit to the organization? Listen respectfully and take notes. Write a note afterwards thanking them for their time.

Related: 6 ways to get on those hard-to-reach decision makers' radars

All these strategies help to raise your visibility and establish you professionally, both as a benefits professional and a volunteer board member. You have told your story while keeping within The Rules.

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Ready to raise your visibility and serve on a board? Tips for the benefits professional

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