Get a clear sense of what an advisory board is, and how it differs from other resources for entrepreneurs. This video clarifies the role of the entrepreneur in relation to their advisory board. Gain insight into the unique value of advisory boards. See how advisory boards are an asset, and the outcomes that advisory boards make possible. Hear from entrepreneurs about how they got value from having an advisory board. Business owners describe what specific skills, roles, and perspectives advisory board members can bring that complement their expertise and view.

Hear common reservations that entrepreneurs have about forming an advisory board. Learn the kind of helpful focus that advisory boards bring. How do entrepreneurs feel after working with an advisory board? Understand the constructive priorities that advisory boards have. See how advisory boards help entrepreneurs learn in relevant ways. Hear why finding the time for an advisory board is worth it. Get insight into the leverage that advisory boards bring to entrepreneurs. How would you know if an advisory board would be helpful for you and your business?

Learn when to start an advisory board. See what an advisory board brings to any entrepreneur. How did entrepreneurs make their way to forming an advisory board? What common entrepreneurial challenges can an advisory board help address? What stage of development led business owners to pursue forming an advisory board? What insights have entrepreneurs gained about the best time to activate an advisory board?

You may be interested in forming an advisory board, but: Where to start? Learn how an entrepreneur can set the stage for a starting a complementary and focused advisory board. How investors and business technical assistance providers can be helpful in getting going. See entrepreneurs describe how they zeroed in on what they needed from an advisory board. What conversations are important to have with people considering joining your advisory board? What can you do to support team building at your advisory board meetings? Expressing appreciation for your advisory board: how do entrepreneurs handle it? What’s most important to advisors and why would they want to join your advisory board? What keeps advisors coming back wanting to give their best? Get into the nitty gritty of operating your advisory board, including how to get it established. What are you looking for in an advisory board meeting?

What do you give to your advisory board as a meeting approaches? What makes for a well-structured agenda? What do you want to focus your time on when your advisory board gets together? How do you help people be ready to give their best as a meeting gets rolling? What aspects of agenda design might stifle ideas? How do you keep the momentum going across meetings? What helps entrepreneurs get the most out of their advisory board meetings?

Themes addressed include: Advisory boards as a gift to the entrepreneur. How to set expectations about timeframe for serving on an advisory board. Entrepreneur responsibilities in relation to an advisory board. The range of support entrepreneurs can get from advisory boards. The value of hearing diverse perspectives advisory board members may have. The main focus of an advisory board in relation to you and your business.