Are you tired of waiting for the perfect advertisement to appear, or feeling unsure of where to even begin your search? With over 90% of Board roles never seeing a public job board, mastering the hidden Board seat market through strategic networking is the ultimate key to your success.If the thought of networking gives you the "heebie-jeebies," don't worry. In this episode, I strip away the traditional, exhausting idea of networking — no meaningless small talk or throwing business cards around like confetti required. Instead, I walk you through a highly targeted "map and tap" framework designed to help you leverage your existing connections and strategically expand your reach to secure your ideal Board seat.Whether you are seeking your very first seat at the table or looking to build out a paid portfolio career, this episode provides the roadmap you need to build, nurture, and leverage your network effectively.Key TakeawaysEstablish your foundation first: Before reaching out to anyone, you must clearly define your target and articulate your Unique Board Value Proposition.Tap into your existing circle: Your current colleagues, mentors, clients, and even family friends already know, like, and trust you. Use them to calibrate your goals and gain honest feedback.Make highly specific requests: Vague asks like "keep me in mind" can actually damage your professional credibility. Always be specific about what you are looking for and how others can assist you.Expand your reach strategically: Grow your connections through warm introductions from your existing circle. If you choose to attend events, ensure you are fishing where the fish are.Nurture for the long term: Treat your connections as a two-way exchange of value. Share relevant resources, check in regularly, and consider tracking your outreach to maximise your return on investment.Links & Resources MentionedFree Download: Grab your copy of the Networking for Board Success WorkbookFurther Reading/Listening: Resources for setting your target and getting clear on your value proposition.Setting a Board Goal🎧 Break into the Boardroom Series: Set a Board Goal | Ep. 102📑 How to Set a Board Goal🎧 Setting and Calibrating your Board Goal | Ep. 49Unique Board Value Proposition🎧 Break into the Boardroom Series: Understanding your Unique Board Value Proposition | Ep. 103🎧 Answering the "Why You" Question: Mastering Your Board Story | Ep. 133🎧 The Ingredients of your Unique Board Value Proposition | Ep. 98📑 Your Board Search: Developing Your Unique Value Proposition📑 Yes, You Do Have Something to Offer a BoardBuilding a Network🎧 Stop “Networking” and Start Building a Network | Ep. 135🎧 Strategic Networking to Unlock Board Opportunities | Ep. 104 Ready to get serious about your search? Explore resources, self-paced courses like Break into the Boardroom, and VIP programs designed to help you win at the boardroom game at getonboardaustralia.com.au If you enjoyed this strategy session, please hit the Follow button so you never miss an episode!

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