3 Business Development Tricks That Actually Won Me Business

Business development can often be one of the most work-intensive parts of operating a business and takes a lot of resilience, patience, and coffee to do successfully. 

Sometimes it can feel like you’re putting all of the work in, but not getting the results you want. If this rings a few bells and seems all too familiar, then you’re in the right place. As someone who used to work as a director in the recruitment sector, I’m here to dish out all of my business development tips, tricks, and secrets. These aren’t just applicable to recruiters, either. Whether you’re working in logistics, hospitality, or at a personal injury solicitors firm, all of these tips should come in handy. 

So, without any further ado, let me share some with you. 

Building Relationships

Before we dive head first into some specific methods, we need to talk about relationships. The ability to build relationships is the bedrock of any business development strategy worth its salt. Even if you manage to find and interact with all of the right people, you’ll quickly fall on your face if you don’t have the social acumen needed to build some sort of positive relationships. 

If you’re struggling with this core aspect of business development, here are some tips:

• Don’t be too pushy. Introduce yourself clearly before you introduce your brand, product or service. People like to get to know other people, not a corporate script. 
• Ask open questions to get them talking about themselves. From there, identify areas of common ground, and make the most of those. In addition, find out what their problems are, then you can package your product or service as a solution. 
• Be patient. Wait for the right moment to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, then do so explosively, all at once. You’re not just a pretty face. 

The Never-Ending Network

There is no end to networking. Just an ever-expanding list of contacts in your phone. But when you’re networking, never rely on just one method. Take advantage of everything at your disposal. 

Pick up the phone and cold call potential new clients, while also booking in warmer catch-up calls with existing or lapsed clients. This might seem spammy, but it’s a normal part of business in so many sectors out there, like city construction firms and NHS compensation solicitors, like Bond Turner. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming networking/trade events and awards shows, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there by offering to visit clients to pitch them in person. This shows that you’re more willing to truly understand their business and lays a solid foundation on which a relationship can be built. 

Consistency is Key

Don’t just BD when you’re desperate. BD when you’re busy. Dedicate time to business development every month, and make sure you’re consistently exhausting all possible avenues. Make sure this includes all of the methods we’ve just gone over: cold calls, emails, linkedin, networking events and award shows, and client visits. As a result, you’ll have a conveyor belt of business that is constantly at capacity.