To start with, the board can simply be the founders, even if that's just one person. It's the act of putting on the different metaphorical hat of being a director for a few hours that helps to attain that sense of wider perspective — along with the prompts of a well structured approach to the board, which we'll go into below.

But as soon as you're able you should expand the board. Either with additional people from within the company, or ideally with independent directors from outside.

Fred Wilson, the highly-respected tech investor, says that, as early as possible...