The Benefits of Being a Board Member

Photo by Damir Kopezhanov on Unsplash

For many, the thought of being a member of a board sounds like a huge commitment. Not only do you have to invest your time, but also effort. If you already work a full-time job and have a family, adding one more thing to your plate might seem impossible.

However, there are benefits to being a board member.

Yes, you will have to make a commitment, but what you get out of your time and effort can pay off in the long run. Here are some of the benefits that come with becoming a board member:

1. The Ability to Make a Difference

If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact, then becoming a board member for a nonprofit organization should be on your list. You’ll have the opportunity to make decisions that will impact individuals and the larger community. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you made a positive impact on others.

2. You Can Strengthen Your Professional Credibility

Being selected to be a board member is an indication that you are trustworthy and valued. As a board member, you become highly visible and are called upon to make decisions that impact people’s lives. Not only can you strengthen your professional credibility within your own business, but you can also enhance your reputation across your industry and within your community.

3. Expand Your Professional Network

Board membership puts you in a position where you have the opportunity to meet intelligent, influential, and well-connected individuals from other industries that you may not typically have access to. Since everyone shares a common goal of promoting an organization’s mission, you’ll already have one thing in common. From there, you can expand your network and connect in other meaningful ways outside of board meetings.

4. Improve Your Professional Skills

Whether you’re looking to advance your professional career or just want to be the best in your current position, serving on a board can improve your skillset. Since you’re working in a group, you’ll be able to hone and enhance your collaboration skills. You’ll learn how to compromise and communicate with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds, and that will serve you in many different ways.

You may already have some experience managing day-to-day operations in your career, but when you serve on a board, you can expand that skillset and help with an organization’s strategic vision. This allows you to see some different aspects to running a business, which can then be applied to your job or any position you may decide to apply for later down the road.

Serving on a board also gives you the opportunity to improve your leadership skills. You may already know what it’s like to manage a team within your business, but being the head of a committee or other executives opens up new horizons and requires different knowledge. Not only can you help others as a board member, but you can also help yourself.

5. Gain Insight and Exposure

Serving as a board member gives you insight into the operations of an organization, as well as exposes you to other industries, markets, and business strategies. Having this information can help you think about your own business differently or help you transition to another company or industry.

6. Find Inspiration and Motivation

If you feel like your life or career has hit a dead end or you’re stuck in a rut, then serving as a board member can be inspirational and motivating. Again, you’ll be exposed to a variety of different professionals and industries, so this may kickstart some new ideas and get you excited about the different avenues you can take your business down.

In addition, becoming a mentor or knowing that the decisions you’re making are having an impact on the lives of individuals and the community can be incredibly gratifying. You’ll feel like you have a purpose and can support a cause that you are truly passionate about.

Increase Your Visibility and Do Something Good

Making the decision to become a board member shouldn’t be taken lightly. It does involve time and effort, and you have to be willing to dedicate both. However, you aren’t just giving without getting in return. There are many benefits to being a board member.

If service to others is something you’ve been thinking about, and you’re passionate about literacy and adult education, then you might want to consider joining the PVLA’s board of directors.

Want to know more about the process? Fill out the contact form on the right-hand side of the blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com.