Business Development is a Contact Sport

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Hi, I am an entrepreneur who transitioned from a consulting giant to building my own business. I dive into the realities of business development and getting more clients. I emphasize that success in this field requires more than just an impressive resume; it’s a full-on “contact sport” demanding dedication and hustle. After finishing an Ivy league school and taking stock of my life after Deloitte, I learned these top 15 productivity hacks growing my consulting business.

1. To Read Or Not To Read?

In business development, knowledge is a superpower. Continuously educate yourself on industry trends, competitor strategies, and best practices. Devour relevant articles, books, and attend industry events. Remember, your competitors are likely reading – stay ahead of the curve.

2. Easy Peezee?

Easy is the mother of mediocrity. While efficiency is important, avoid the trap of settling for “easy.” Business development often requires tackling challenges and venturing outside your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort – it’s where growth happens.

3. Action Speaks More Than Words

Inaction breeds doubt and fear; action breeds confidence and courage. Don’t just talk about success, take action to achieve it. Set aside dedicated time for prospecting, networking, and following up on leads. Remember, consistent effort trumps sporadic bursts of activity.

4. Failure Is Still Making A Choice

Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable. However, true failure happens when you choose inaction or give up too easily. Learn from your stumbles, analyze what went wrong, and adjust your approach.

5. Planning IS Your Roadmap

Without a clear plan, your business development efforts will be scattered and ineffective. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and develop a strategy to achieve them.

6. Clear, Decisive Goals Fuel Your Hustle

Vague aspirations won’t motivate you. Clearly define what success looks like – the number of new clients you want, the revenue target you aim for. Break down your goals into actionable steps, keeping you laser-focused on what matters.

7. Lists Are Powerful

Lists are your secret weapon for organization and focus. Prospect lists, to-do lists, and content calendars help you prioritize tasks and track progress. Utilize project management tools to streamline your workflow and maximize productivity.

8. Make It About Them, Not You

People care more about themselves than you. In networking situations, ask questions, listen actively, and understand your prospect’s challenges. Position yourself as a solution provider, offering valuable insights and expertise.

9. Craft a Prospect Message that Resonates

Your initial contact with a potential client is crucial. Ditch generic templates. Develop a concise, compelling message that highlights the value you offer and how it addresses their specific needs.

10. Be Assertive And Confident

Project confidence in your abilities and the value you bring. Don’t be afraid to ask for the sale or follow up on leads. Remember, assertiveness doesn’t equate to aggression – it’s about clear communication and belief in your product or service.

11. Use Proactive Wording

Passive language reflects uncertainty. Instead of “We could potentially help you,” say “We will help you achieve X.” Proactive language conveys confidence and inspires trust in your prospects.

12. Be Courageous And Brave

Business development can be intimidating. Don’t let fear hold you back. Step outside your comfort zone, initiate conversations, and embrace the challenge of building new relationships.

13. Take Action – Every Day!

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Consistent action is key. Schedule daily activities specifically dedicated to business development, even if it’s just making one call or sending one email.

14. Know What You Want (and Why)

Clarity of purpose fuels your drive. Clearly define your goals and understand the “why” behind them. This intrinsic motivation will keep you going when the road gets tough.

15. Blood, Sweat And Tears

Building a successful business takes dedication and perseverance. Be prepared to put in the long hours, refine your strategies, and continuously learn. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination.

The road to business development success is paved with action, not empty words. Hopefully these 15 key principles helped you. Success will come to those who are clear on their goals, both big and small, and who consistently put in the hard work. So, ditch the “easy” route, embrace calculated challenges, and take control of your business development journey. Start by implementing one or two of these strategies today and watch your network and your bottom line grow!

Looking to get more professional consultation for your business? Contact me here at Moose Plex or leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.