Advisor Information

How do I qualify to advise?

We encourage anyone with a professional skill or expertise to volunteer. Every board is composed of a wide range of expertise and professional levels. Advisors are selected when their area of expertise matches the need of the Client Company.

View our current Advisor Listing

What kind of expertise is needed?

Through experience we have learned that the following professions are requested most often: Marketing, Legal, Financial, Government Procurement Specialists, Operations and Strategic Planning.

Additionally, almost ALL other expertise is needed, i.e.: Human Resources, Insurance, Risk Management, Sales Management, Team Building, Market Research, Market Analysis, Business Planning, Mergers & Acquisitions, Taxes & Regulations, Patents, Copyrights, Proposal Writing, Software and Hardware, Payroll, Recruiting & Hiring.

How much of my time is required?

Minimally, Advisors attend one 3-hour board meeting per quarter. In addition to that, phone and email support is encouraged. The average time commitment ranges from 5-8 hours per quarter.

How long do I serve on a board?

Board assignments are for approximately one-year. At the end of the year the company's progress is assessed. One of three results occur:

• The board can opt to stay together for a few more months, particularly in a time of high growth or strategic change;
• A new board is assigned to stimulate further growth;
  
• The company "graduates" from the program and the board is disbanded.

Can I market my products/services to Council contacts?

Involvement with the Council provides an opportunity to market one's products and services through networking functions, the newsletter and website listings. However, Advisors are asked to refrain from soliciting any of the Council Client Companies. When a Client directly asks about your products/services, by all means, follow up on that lead. Please notify the Council if the contact results in a new business relationship. Also, Advisors can market to other Advisors. We simply ask that the Client Company not be targeted as potential client while an Advisor works with that company.

Will I be taught how to advise? Is there an orientation?

Every new board receives an orientation during the first part of their first board meeting. This briefing will allow for a Q & A session as well as provide information on the history and direction of the program. Client and Advisor expectations are outlined as well as the "Dos & Don'ts" of Advising. At any time, email or call Mary McCord with questions or concerns.

How do I apply?

To get an application, call 407.708.4418 or go online to www.seminoleadvisoryboard.com then go to the Applications page and use the downloadable application form. Fax it to 407.708.4422 or mail it to:

Seminole Advisory Board Council
SCC Center for Economic Development at Heathrow
1055 AAA Drive
Lake Mary, FL 32746