At a network’s start-up it’s useful to think through what sort of support network members need and are likely to need in the future. In our experience there are three coordination roles in network building: logistics, operations, and strategic management–and it’s rear for a network to need all of these roles filled right out of the starting gate. (Network coordination is one of 8 network design elements discussed in chapter 2, “Start Me Up: Designing a Network.”)
Logistics involves setting up meetings, conference calls, and other ways for members to engage with each other; tracking and documenting network activities, decisions, revenues, and expenditures; creating and distributing essential information such as a directory of members and contact information.
Operations typically involves other duties, such as running a website and other external communications; facilitating group processes of members; documenting network decisions and activities and managing an archive of network documents; administering the network’s finances; helping members to draft proposals for funding; and orienting or on-boarding new members of the network.
Strategic management is a higher level of responsibility focused on helping network members, especially those with governance duties, make and implement decisions about the network’s development. this could include managing relationships with outside partners and funders, supporting members who are undertaking initiatives for the network, and creating and modifying network plans.