Why Nonprofits Should Choose Growth-Minded Board Members Over Traditional Professionals

When choosing board members, so many nonprofits gravitate towards doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

Why? I think partially because it’s easier to know that they have a certain level of success and competency.

While I think having some people with these professions on your board is great, it should not even be close to the majority.

Most doctors, lawyers, and accountants are risk-averse.

Many times, they’re more concerned with not losing it all, rather than massive growth.

If you’re an organization that needs to grow, you need as many people in your corner as possible telling you to reach for the stars and helping you get there.

There is an endless supply of voices telling you that you can’t achieve something great.

Limit the number of people in your inner circle that try to get you to think smaller.

Get people on your board that have started things, taken chances, FAILED, succeeded, and continue to want to move forward.

There might be some doctors, lawyers, and accountants in there, but choose people who are ready for growth.

“They give us $10,000 a year” is not a good reason to invite someone to join your board.

Surround yourself with people who challenge you to think bigger.

Kevin Fitzpatrick is the owner of One Visit Away, a consulting business helping leaders of nonprofits schedule more and better visits with their benefactors.  Kevin’s goal is to help fundraising professionals constantly seek to deepen their relationships with their benefactors.  After all, you’re just One Visit Away from growing your mission and your impact.  

Related Resources:

• “One Visit Away” podcast
• Webinar: Scheduling Visits is Scary…but it doesn’t have to be that way.
• It’s too bad that nonprofit leaders and board members thwart risk-taking
• 10 Follow-Up Questions You’ll Need to Deepen Your Conversation with Major Donors (and One to Avoid)

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