Executive Job Search

7 Ways to Deploy Your 90-Day Impact Portfolio (Most Executives Miss #4)

Bill Heilmann
7 Ways to Deploy Your 90-Day Impact Portfolio (Most Executives Miss #4)

You built it. Now weaponize it with these 7 tactical deployment strategies.

7 Ways to Deploy Your 90-Day Impact Portfolio (Most Executives Miss #4)

You've built your 90-Day Impact Portfolio.

You invested 20-25 hours researching the company, developing strategic analysis, creating your 30-60-90 day plan, and designing a professional presentation.

Now what?

Most executives make a critical mistake: they build the portfolio, send it once or twice, and let it sit unused.

That's like spending $50K on a Ferrari and leaving it in the garage.

Your 90-Day Impact Portfolio isn't just a document—it's a strategic weapon that should be deployed across every touchpoint in your job search.

Here are seven tactical ways to weaponize your portfolio for maximum impact. Most people miss #4, which is exactly where the highest-value opportunities hide.

Deployment Strategy 1: LinkedIn Featured Section

The tactic:
Pin your 90-Day Impact Portfolio as the first item in your LinkedIn Featured section so every profile visitor sees it immediately.

Why this works:

When recruiters or hiring managers view your profile, the Featured section appears prominently near the top—above your experience section.

Most executives leave this section empty or fill it with random articles.

You're going to make your strategic portfolio the first thing people see.

How to implement:

  1. Go to your LinkedIn profile
  2. Scroll to Featured section (add it if not present)
  3. Click "Add featured" → "Media"
  4. Upload PDF of your 90-Day Impact Portfolio
  5. Add compelling title: "90-Day Strategic Plan: [Your Function]"
  6. Add description: "Strategic business case and execution plan for driving [specific outcome] in [target industry/stage]"
  7. Drag it to first position in Featured section

The psychology:

Before reading a single word of your experience, visitors see a professional strategic document. This immediately positions you as:

  • Strategic thinker (not just resume sender)
  • Prepared and thorough
  • Executive-level communicator
  • Someone who creates business cases

The result:

Profile viewers form an immediate impression: "This person operates at a different level than other candidates."

Pro tip:

Create a thumbnail image for the PDF that shows your title slide. Make it visually professional. When people see the thumbnail, they should immediately recognize it as a strategic document.

What to track:

LinkedIn tells you when people view items in your Featured section. Monitor which recruiters and hiring managers are viewing your portfolio.

Expected impact:

15-20% increase in recruiter InMails
25-30% increase in quality of inbound opportunities
Profile visitors spending 2-3x longer on your profile

Deployment Strategy 2: Email Signature Portfolio Link

The tactic:
Add a direct link to your 90-Day Impact Portfolio in your email signature for constant, passive visibility.

Why this works:

You send dozens of emails weekly—to recruiters, hiring managers, networking contacts, former colleagues.

Every email becomes a touchpoint for showcasing your strategic thinking.

Instead of them remembering to ask for materials, you're proactively providing access to your most powerful asset.

How to implement:

Add this line to your email signature (customize to your situation):

Example 1:

John Martinez
Chief Revenue Officer | B2B SaaS Growth Expert
Email: john.martinez@email.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnmartinez
📊 My 90-Day Strategic Plan: [portfolio link]

Example 2:

Sarah Chen
VP Product | 0-1 Product Builder | 3 Successful Launches
📱 (555) 123-4567 | 🔗 LinkedIn Profile
📊 90-Day Product Strategy Portfolio: [portfolio link]

The psychology:

The link sits there subtly, not pushy. Recipients who are mildly interested will click out of curiosity. Those who are seriously considering you will definitely review it.

You're not saying "look at my portfolio!" You're simply making it accessible for those who want to dig deeper.

What NOT to do:

❌ Don't use a paragraph explaining the portfolio
❌ Don't make the link text overly salesy
❌ Don't include multiple links competing for attention
❌ Don't make it the first line of your signature

Keep it simple and professional.

Expected impact:

10-15 additional portfolio views per month from email recipients
Stronger follow-up conversations (they've already seen your strategic thinking)
Increased credibility in every email exchange

Deployment Strategy 3: LinkedIn Direct Message Strategy

The tactic:
Reference your 90-Day Impact Portfolio in targeted LinkedIn outreach to decision makers, with company-specific context.

Why this works:

When you reach out to a CEO or hiring manager on LinkedIn, you have 10 seconds to capture attention.

Most executives send generic messages:
"I saw you're hiring for [role]. I have 15 years experience in [function]. Would love to discuss."

You're going to send strategic value:
"I've researched [Company]'s challenges with [specific issue] and prepared a 90-day strategic plan addressing it. Worth reviewing?"

How to implement:

Template for cold outreach:

Hi [Name],

I've been following [Company]'s journey in [market/space] with interest, particularly your recent [funding/expansion/product launch].

Having scaled [similar companies] through this exact growth stage, I recognize the [specific challenge] you're likely facing.

I've prepared a 90-day strategic plan focused on [specific outcome] for companies in your position: [portfolio link]

Even if timing isn't right for you, the framework might be valuable.

Worth a 15-minute discussion?

Template for warm connections:

Hi [Name],

Hope you're doing well! I'm currently exploring [role type] opportunities with [stage/type] companies.

I've developed a 90-day strategic portfolio that outlines my approach to [specific challenge area]: [portfolio link]

Would value your perspective on the framework—and if you know companies facing these challenges, I'd appreciate any introductions.

Template for active opportunities:

Hi [Name],

Following up on our conversation about the [role] at [Company].

I've prepared a detailed 90-day plan specific to [Company]'s situation with [challenge]: [portfolio link]

Happy to walk through the analysis and recommendations when you have time.

Looking forward to continuing the discussion.

The psychology:

You're not asking for a job. You're offering strategic value.

The hiring manager's internal response shifts from:
"Another person asking about opportunities"
to
"This person has already done strategic thinking about our business"

Pro tips:

  1. Customize the intro - Reference something specific about their company
  2. Name the challenge - Show you've done research
  3. Frame as value offer - "Might be valuable" not "please hire me"
  4. Keep it brief - 4-5 sentences maximum
  5. Clear CTA - Single next step, not multiple options

Expected impact:

Response rate: 15-25% (vs. 3-5% for standard outreach)
Quality of responses: Much higher - serious business discussions
Time to first meeting: Faster - they've already seen your thinking

Deployment Strategy 4: Sales Navigator Outreach (The One Most People Miss)

The tactic:
Embed your 90-Day Impact Portfolio link in LinkedIn Sales Navigator messages and systematic follow-up sequences.

Why this is #4 (and why most people miss it):

Most executives don't use Sales Navigator. They're using regular LinkedIn for executive job search.

That's a massive mistake.

Sales Navigator gives you:

  • Unlimited search beyond 3rd connections
  • Advanced filters (changed jobs, company growth, mentioned in news)
  • 50 InMail credits per month
  • Systematic tracking and note-taking
  • Follow-up sequences and reminders

It's $79/month and it's worth 100x that for executive job search.

But here's what makes Sales Navigator deployment particularly powerful: systematic, multi-touch campaigns with your portfolio embedded.

How to implement:

Step 1: Build your target list in Sales Navigator

Search for decision makers at target companies using filters:

  • Title: CEO, COO, Board Member
  • Company: Your 50 target companies
  • Posted on LinkedIn: Past 30 days (active users)
  • Changed jobs: Past 90 days (building teams)

Save these searches with alerts.

Step 2: Create your outreach sequence

Touch 1 (Day 1): Value-first outreach

Hi [Name],

Your recent [post/article/interview] about [topic] resonated—particularly the point about [specific challenge].

Having helped [similar companies] navigate this exact issue, I developed a strategic framework that might be relevant: [portfolio link]

Even if you're not hiring, the approach might provide value.

Touch 2 (Day 7): Additional insight

Hi [Name],

Following up on my note about [challenge]. Since then, I came across [relevant article/data/insight] that reinforces the opportunity.

My 90-day strategic framework addresses this specifically: [portfolio link]

Worth a 15-minute discussion if your team is prioritizing this?

Touch 3 (Day 14): Soft close

Hi [Name],

Wanted to close the loop on my previous notes about [challenge].

If [specific outcome] becomes a priority, my strategic portfolio outlines a concrete 90-day plan: [portfolio link]

I'll check back in a quarter unless you'd prefer I don't.

Step 3: Track everything in Sales Navigator

For each contact, note:

  • When portfolio was shared
  • Whether they viewed it (if you can tell)
  • Any response or engagement
  • Next follow-up date
  • Status (cold/warm/hot)

The Sales Navigator advantage:

Regular LinkedIn: You're limited to 1st and 2nd connections, random outreach, no systematic follow-up

Sales Navigator: You can reach anyone, track systematically, execute multi-touch sequences, manage 100+ relationships simultaneously

Why most people miss this:

  1. They don't want to pay $79/month (huge mistake)
  2. They don't understand Sales Navigator's power
  3. They're using consumer LinkedIn for professional business development
  4. They're not thinking systematically about outreach

You're going to use Sales Navigator like a B2B sales professional running a territory—because that's exactly what executive job search is.

Expected impact:

Access to 10x more decision makers
Systematic follow-up (most opportunities come from touch 2-3)
Professional CRM for managing relationships
20-30% response rates when using portfolio in sequences

ROI calculation:

Cost: $79/month
Result: One $300K+ offer from systematic outreach
Return: 38,000% ROI

This is the highest-leverage $79/month you'll ever spend.

Deployment Strategy 5: Resume Alternative Strategy

The tactic:
Send your 90-Day Impact Portfolio link instead of—or alongside—your traditional resume, depending on the situation.

Why this works:

Resumes are commodities at the executive level. Everyone has similar credentials.

Your 90-Day Impact Portfolio is differentiated. It shows strategic thinking your resume can't demonstrate.

When to use portfolio INSTEAD of resume:

  • Direct outreach to CEOs or hiring managers
  • Warm introductions from mutual connections
  • Networking conversations with decision makers
  • Board member or VC partner discussions
  • Any situation where you're establishing first contact

When to use portfolio WITH resume:

  • Application systems that require resume upload
  • Recruiter submissions (they need resume for their process)
  • HR formal processes
  • Background verification requirements

How to implement:

For direct outreach:

Hi [Name],

Rather than send a traditional resume, I've prepared a strategic portfolio that demonstrates my approach to [challenge area]: [portfolio link]

It includes my 90-day plan for companies in your position, specific to [their situation].

If the approach resonates, happy to provide traditional background materials.

For applications that allow custom materials:

Resume: [attached PDF]
Strategic Portfolio: [portfolio link]

Note: The portfolio demonstrates my strategic thinking about [Company]'s specific challenges and my 90-day value creation plan. The resume provides background verification.

For networking conversations:

I can send you my resume or my 90-day strategic portfolio—which would be more helpful for understanding how I think about [challenge area]?

(Most will say "both," but you've positioned the portfolio as the valuable asset.)

The psychology:

When you lead with portfolio instead of resume, you're signaling:

  • "I'm not a commodity candidate sending standard materials"
  • "I've done strategic work specific to your situation"
  • "I'm positioning as strategic advisor, not job applicant"

This immediately elevates the conversation.

What NOT to do:

❌ Don't apologize for not sending resume
❌ Don't say "I have a resume if you want it" (sounds defensive)
❌ Don't send portfolio AND resume AND cover letter (too much)

Expected impact:

Higher response rates (portfolio more engaging than resume)
Better quality conversations (discussing strategy, not background)
Stronger positioning (advisor vs. applicant)

Deployment Strategy 6: Interview Preparation and Presentation

The tactic:
Use your 90-Day Impact Portfolio as your interview presentation and preparation framework.

Why this works:

Most executives wing their interviews or prepare generic talking points.

You're going to walk in with a professional strategic document that structures the entire conversation.

How to implement:

Before first interview:

Email the hiring manager:

Hi [Name],

Looking forward to our conversation on [date].

I've prepared a strategic portfolio addressing [Company]'s [specific challenge]: [portfolio link]

I can walk through it during our meeting, or we can use it as a discussion framework. Whatever's most helpful.

During second/third interview:

Present the portfolio as your interview format:

"I've prepared a detailed 90-day plan specific to [Company]. Would it be helpful if I walk through my strategic approach, or would you prefer a more conversational discussion?"

(Most will say "Let's see the plan"—you now control the conversation.)

For final round presentation:

Use the portfolio as your formal presentation to the team/board:

"Thank you for the opportunity to present my approach. I've developed a 90-day strategic plan addressing [Company]'s priorities. Let me walk through my analysis and recommendations..."

After any interview:

Send as follow-up value:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the insightful conversation today.

As discussed, here's my 90-day strategic portfolio: [portfolio link]

Looking forward to continuing the discussion about [specific topic raised].

The advantage:

Without portfolio: You're answering their questions reactively

With portfolio: You're presenting your strategic thinking proactively

You control the narrative. You demonstrate preparation. You show executive communication capability.

Pro tips:

  1. Print physical copies for in-person final rounds
  2. Practice presenting it in 15 minutes or less
  3. Customize slides based on earlier interview feedback
  4. Leave it behind after presentations for them to share internally
  5. Reference specific slides in follow-up conversations

Expected impact:

Interview confidence (you have structure and preparation)
Better conversations (discussing strategy vs. answering basic questions)
Memorable impression (only candidate with strategic document)
Faster decisions (you've made their evaluation easier)

Deployment Strategy 7: Strategic Networking Conversations

The tactic:
Use your 90-Day Impact Portfolio as a value offering in networking conversations, not just for direct opportunities.

Why this works:

Most networking asks are vague: "Do you know anyone hiring?" or "Can you keep me in mind?"

These go nowhere.

Your portfolio transforms networking into strategic value exchange:

"I've developed a 90-day strategic framework for [challenge area]. Even if you're not hiring, the approach might be valuable—and if you know companies facing this, I'd appreciate introductions."

How to implement:

For former colleagues:

Hi [Name],

Hope you're doing well! I'm currently exploring [role type] opportunities and have developed a strategic portfolio outlining my approach: [portfolio link]

Even if [Your Company] isn't hiring, I'd value:

  1. Your feedback on the framework
  2. Introductions to companies facing these challenges

Worth a coffee to catch up?

For industry connections:

Hi [Name],

Following up from [conference/event]. Really enjoyed your perspective on [topic].

I've been developing a strategic framework for [challenge area] that you might find interesting: [portfolio link]

If you know companies struggling with [specific challenge], I'd welcome introductions—the framework might provide value even if I'm not the right hire.

For board members or advisors:

Hi [Name],

I'm reaching out because of your board work with [companies in your space].

I've developed a 90-day strategic portfolio for [challenge area] that might be relevant to your portfolio companies: [portfolio link]

Would value your perspective on the framework—and if any of your companies are facing these challenges, I'd welcome introductions.

The psychology:

You're not asking for favors. You're offering value.

The portfolio gives people something concrete to:

  • Review and provide feedback on
  • Share with their network
  • Forward to relevant companies
  • Discuss in specific terms

This makes networking productive instead of vague.

Expected impact:

More substantive networking conversations
Higher quality introductions (they can describe what you do specifically)
Board members and advisors more willing to help (you've made it easy)
Referrals that include your portfolio (recipient sees strategic thinking immediately)

The Systematic Deployment Framework

Now that you have seven tactics, here's how to deploy them systematically:

Week 1: Set up passive systems

  • Add portfolio to LinkedIn Featured section
  • Update email signature with portfolio link
  • Create printed copies for in-person meetings

Week 2: Launch active outreach

  • Send 10-15 LinkedIn DMs with portfolio
  • Start Sales Navigator systematic outreach (if using)
  • Email 5 warm contacts with portfolio

Week 3: Networking deployment

  • Have 3-5 networking conversations using portfolio
  • Send portfolio to board members or advisors
  • Request introductions with portfolio as value offer

Week 4: Interview integration

  • Use portfolio in any active interview processes
  • Send as follow-up to all interviews
  • Update portfolio based on feedback received

Ongoing: Track and optimize

  • Monitor which deployment tactics generate best response
  • Track portfolio views and conversion to conversations
  • Refine messaging based on what's working

The compound effect:

Each deployment tactic works independently. But together, they create a systematic presence where your strategic thinking is visible across every touchpoint.

You're not just another executive sending resumes. You're a strategic thinker with a documented approach that people can see, share, and discuss.

What Most Executives Get Wrong

Mistake 1: Build it and forget it

They invest 20 hours creating the portfolio, send it to 2-3 people, then never use it again.

The fix: Deploy it across all seven tactics systematically.

Mistake 2: Only using it when directly asked

They wait for someone to say "Do you have materials?" instead of proactively sharing.

The fix: Lead with portfolio in initial outreach, don't wait to be asked.

Mistake 3: Sending it without context

They email a link with no explanation: "Here's my portfolio"

The fix: Always frame it specifically: "Here's my 90-day plan addressing [their specific challenge]"

Mistake 4: Not tracking deployment

They don't know which tactics are working or who's viewing their portfolio.

The fix: Use tools (Sales Navigator, link tracking) to monitor effectiveness.

Mistake 5: One-and-done outreach

They send the portfolio once and never follow up.

The fix: Use multi-touch sequences where portfolio appears in touches 1-3.

Mistake 6: Not updating it

They create one version and use it for every opportunity.

The fix: Customize the 30-60-90 plan section for each serious opportunity.

Mistake 7: Treating it like a resume

They think of it as just another document to attach.

The fix: Position it as a strategic business case that demonstrates thinking capability.

The Bottom Line

You've got the 90-Day Impact Portfolio. Now weaponize it.

Seven tactical deployment strategies:

  1. LinkedIn Featured Section - Pin it for immediate visibility
  2. Email Signature - Passive exposure in every email
  3. LinkedIn DMs - Strategic outreach with specific value
  4. Sales Navigator - Systematic multi-touch campaigns (most miss this)
  5. Resume Alternative - Lead with strategic thinking
  6. Interview Prep - Structure conversations around it
  7. Networking - Value offering in all conversations

The portfolio is your strategic asset.

These seven tactics are your deployment framework.

Most executives build the portfolio and let it sit. You're going to deploy it systematically across every touchpoint in your job search.

The result:

  • Higher response rates (people engage with strategy, not resumes)
  • Better conversations (discussing your thinking, not your background)
  • Faster progression (you've made decision-making easier)
  • Premium positioning (strategic advisor vs. job applicant)
  • Multiple offers (differentiation creates options)

Your portfolio took 20-25 hours to build.

Deploy it strategically and it returns 100x that investment.


Ready to Build Your 90-Day Impact Portfolio?

The 90-Day Impact Portfolio provides everything you need: structure, examples, templates, and strategic frameworks for creating presentations that close executive offers.

Get The 90-Day Impact Portfolio and build your strategic advantage.

Contact Me to discuss your specific situation and get personalized guidance.

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Written by

Bill Heilmann