Women who would like to be offered a seat on a company board need to start building business relationships much earlier in their careers, rather than trying to find sponsors when they are about to try to make the jump.

A new survey of 57 female non-executive directors (appointed since 2010) finds that one-third wished they had not waited so long to start networking.

The survey by Korn Ferry, “Beyond ‘if not, why not’: The pathway to directorship for women in leadership”, also finds that 21 per cent wished they’d been more strategic in their planning, and 18 per cent said they should have put themselves forward for senior executive roles.

The managing director of Korn Ferry, Katie Lahey, says she makes a conscious effort to make sure she leaves the comfort zone of mixing with other women.

“You have to be seen, out and about,” she advises. “And that networking does take an effort, especially if you have had a full day at work.”

The Korn Ferry survey offers six tips for women who want to be strategic about shaping their path to the boardroom:

1. DEVELOP YOUR EXECUTIVE CAREER WITH AN EYE ON YOUR BOARD CAREER

Be aggressive in advancing in your line role. Don’t shift out of management too early. Gain as much senior corporate experience as possible, particularly a C-suite position with profit and loss responsibility. All these help secure high-profile board roles.

2. ENSURE YOU HAVE BOARDROOM SKILLS

Fill any gap in skills, particularly related to financials such as the balance sheet and cash flow drivers of a business. Be prepared not only to understand, but contribute to the debate on key accounting and financing issues. Complete the AICD Company Directors course.

3. OBTAIN BOARD EXPERIENCE

While still an executive, seek a seat on a subsidiary and/or non-profit board to gain experience. Be a willing and active participant on industry committees and working parties. Consider government boards in which quality non-executive directors and good governance exist.

4. KNOW THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Networks are extremely important and new director selections are still heavily influenced by existing board members. Find a mentor – or better yet, a sponsor – who will open doors and introduce you to others. Ask senior board directors for recommendations and referrals.

5. CHOOSE A BOARD WITH CARE

Research the company, the directors, and their track record of governance. Do not underestimate the importance of board dynamics and personal relationships in determining whether you’ll find a board position fulfilling.Try to select boards in which there is at least one other woman. Being the only woman on a board can be isolating.

6. MARKET YOURSELF SMARTLY

Have clarity on the kind of board you are interested in, and know what you would bring to such an opportunity. Have confidence and courage to put yourself forward for roles. Display a maturity that is essential in the boardroom. Remain confident in your ambition, and know that more often than not, rejection for selection is structural, not personal. But don’t leave your executive life until you have secured some board seats, as you lose currency quickly.

This article was originally published on  BRW 8th May 2014 Read the original article