Networking Strategy Dashboard
A four-tier system designed to build presence, generate referrals, and convert relationships to revenue.
Tier 1 — Strategic Relationships
- Biotech/pharma CHROs and CPOs
- Private equity HR operating partners
- Executive search firm partners
- Healthcare system People leaders
Tier 2 — Peer & Referral Network
- OD Network members and board contacts
- Fellow consultants and coaches
- MBA and MAOL program alumni
- Former colleagues across firms
Tier 3 — Community Presence
- DisruptHR events and speaking
- SHRM and NEHRA events
- Framingham State University network
- Board of directors engagement
Tier 4 — Digital Visibility
- LinkedIn thought leadership posts
- Content repurposing and articles
- Conference speaking submissions
- Podcast and media appearances
Activity Tracker
Track all networking activities. Mark complete as you go. Add notes for follow-up.
| Activity | Tier | Due | Frequency | Status | Notes | |
|---|
90-Day Networking Plan
Month-by-month priorities to build momentum and generate pipeline.
Month 1 — Foundation
- Audit and reconnect with top 20 contacts
- Register for 2 upcoming local events
- Submit 1 speaking proposal (DisruptHR or SHRM)
- Post 2x per week on LinkedIn
- Set up coffee chats with 4 Tier 1 contacts
- Join or re-engage 1 professional community
Month 2 — Momentum
- Conduct 8 coffees/virtual calls
- Attend 2 networking events
- Make 3 warm introductions to your network
- Publish 1 LinkedIn article or long-form post
- Follow up with all Month 1 contacts
- Identify 2 referral partners to develop
Month 3 — Conversion
- Convert 2 conversations to exploratory calls
- Host a small virtual roundtable or event
- Confirm speaking slot if submitted in M1
- Ask 3 contacts for referrals directly
- Review pipeline and prioritize top 5
- Document lessons and plan next 90 days
Milestone Table
| Milestone | Target Date | Priority |
|---|
| Top 20 contact audit complete | Week 2 | Critical |
| First speaking proposal submitted | Week 3 | High |
| 8 Tier 1 conversations completed | Week 8 | Critical |
| First exploratory call booked | Week 10 | Critical |
| Referral partner relationships established | Week 12 | High |
| 90-day retrospective complete | Week 13 | Medium |
Outreach Templates
Personalize before sending. Replace brackets with specific context. Keep it human.
Target Venues & Organizations
High-ROI networking environments by sector and tier. Focus on Tier 1 first.
| Venue / Organization | Type | Tier | Notes |
|---|
| OD Network (ODN) | Professional Association | T1 | Board member — leverage fully |
| NEHRA | Regional HR Association | T1 | CHRO events, PE-backed companies |
| DisruptHR | Speaking/Community | T1 | Active participant, speaking opportunities |
| SHRM Annual | National Conference | T2 | Thought leadership, BD conversations |
| Boston Biotech Network | Industry Network | T1 | Primary target buyer community |
| MassBio | Industry Association | T1 | Biotech/pharma CHRO access |
| Framingham State University | Academic Network | T2 | Adjunct faculty — alumni and faculty referrals |
| Boston HR Assembly | Peer Network | T2 | Senior HR leader peer group |
| PE Operating Partner forums | Industry Events | T1 | High-value PE sector relationships |
| LinkedIn (organic) | Digital Platform | T4 | 2x/week minimum posting cadence |
| Executive search firm events | Partner Network | T2 | Referral and placement partnerships |
| Healthcare HR Network | Sector-specific | T2 | Hospital system People leaders |
Pipeline Management
Four-stage pipeline. Move contacts forward deliberately. Review monthly.
Stage 1 — Awareness
- Follows or engages with your LinkedIn content
- Met at an event — exchanged contact info
- Warm introduction made, not yet followed up
- Goal: book an introductory call within 14 days
Stage 2 — Relationship Building
- Initial call or coffee completed
- Following up with relevant content or insights
- Making warm introductions to add value
- Goal: deepen trust, identify a pain point
Stage 3 — Exploratory
- Active conversation about organizational needs
- Sharing POV and relevant case examples
- Assessing scope, fit, and timing
- Goal: proposal or scoping call within 30 days
Stage 4 — Proposal / Close
- Proposal delivered and under review
- Contract or SOW in negotiation
- Following up on outstanding questions
- Goal: signed agreement and kickoff scheduled
Monthly Review Checklist
- ☐ Review all Stage 1 contacts — have I followed up within 14 days?
- ☐ Identify any Stage 2 contacts ready to move to exploratory conversation
- ☐ Check Stage 3 — is there a proposal opportunity I have not acted on?
- ☐ Follow up on all open proposals — do not let them go cold after 10 days
- ☐ Add 3 new contacts to Stage 1 from networking activities this month
- ☐ Make at least 2 warm introductions this month to add value to your network