The untapped advantage of outside directors might be the missing piece in your business growth strategy. In this candid conversation, Mark and Eric pull back the curtain on how small businesses can leverage experienced board members to overcome challenges, gain credibility, and accelerate growth. 

Drawing from their experiences on over a dozen boards and as business owners themselves, they tackle the common entrepreneur resistance to bringing in outside voices. "I didn't want anybody telling me what to do," Mark admits about his early years running a company – a mindset he now recognizes limited his growth potential. This resistance often stems from fear of losing control, reluctance to expose weaknesses, or simply not understanding the process.

The financial reality proves surprisingly accessible: quality outside directors typically cost between $20,000-$25,000 annually for quarterly meetings and ongoing consultation – a fraction of what hiring someone with equivalent experience would cost. These directors bring industry connections, strategic perspectives, and accountability that entrepreneurs desperately need but rarely seek. They serve as powerful advocates when approaching investors, provide credibility with clients, and offer guidance through critical business decisions.

Mark and Eric provide practical advice on selecting the right directors (hint: your attorney and accountant aren't automatically the best choices), structuring compensation, and establishing productive board dynamics. They emphasize that effective board relationships focus on building consensus rather than formal voting structures.

Whether you're struggling with current challenges or planning an eventual exit, outside directors who've "already seen the movie and know how it ends" could be your secret weapon. Ready to elevate your business with strategic oversight? This episode delivers the roadmap you've been missing.