Preparing For a Board Meeting

WRITTEN BY: MARK SUSTER
BOTH SIDES

Planning ahead is the key to successful, productive board meetings. We’ve shared a general framework below, originally written by Mark Suster of Upfront Ventures (with a couple added notes from Upside Partnership). Read his complete guide here.

- 01 -
Create a Set of KPIs for How You Manage the Business

- 02 -
Decide What Your Most Strategic Issues Are

• Anything that needs to be disclosed to the board so that they aren’t later surprised by it.

• Any issues that are starting to present themselves (goal is to get board feedback).

• Things that require board approval.

- 03 -
Create a Short Strategy / Discussion Deck

A 5–10 page deck. We particularly like this framework from Sequoia.

- 04 -
Create a Board Agenda

Outline topics & time allotted to each section.

- 5 -
Get Your Financial Deck Out 72 Hours in Advance

Ask your board members to review the deck in advance.

- 6 -
Send Your Agenda to Each Board Member Individually / Set Up Calls in Advance

Originally Published:
February 27, 2019, How to Prepare For a Board Meeting to Make Sure You Crush It, Mark Suster- Both Sides of the Table