How to be successful in business development? We asked senior business developers and these are 20 tips to make you successful in your job.
How to be successful in business development is the million-dollar question that every professional in the field asks him/herself daily. We wondered about that too and we decided to ask some experienced business developers to give us some tips.
Forget million followers influencers. These pieces of advice come directly from business developers that face the same challenges every day. Being in business for many years, they know what it takes to be successful at it.
Read our 20 tips to be successful in business development coming directly from professionals working on it every day.
1. Be humble
We believe this tip deserves to be on top of the list. No matter how talented you are or how quickly you grow. Staying humble is the only way to keep growing and becoming better every day.
Don’t let success get over your head. Respect everyone that comes across your path and understand that you can always learn something from anyone.
2. Know your worth
In the same way, as you stay humble, learn also to recognize your strengths and make use of them. As young business developers, you might be still figuring out what they are.
But learn early on in your career that everyone is able to deliver value. And you are no exception. Learn how much you are worth and make sure people know what you have to offer.
3. Be curious
Curiosity, especially in business development, is not only a nice to have. It’s key to building the right mindset and being able to spot opportunities.
Be interested in what’s going on around you. Observe and be enthusiastic about your job. Practice curiosity on any occasion.
Check also: Top 10 Books for Business Development
4. Communication is the key
Learn early on that good communication is the basis for your success. Understand that every person is different and you need to adapt your style.
Being a good communicator means finding common ground with your interlocutors. Make them feel understood and you’ll win them over.
5. Listen more than you talk
Next to talking, learn to listen. But really listen to what others are saying. You can get so much information and understand so much just by letting the other do the talking.
Start practicing with some of your colleagues or friends and really commit to listening to anything they say. Trust us, it sounds easier than it is.
6. Don’t be scared to ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Especially if you’re new in the field or in the company. Asking questions shows you care and you’re eager to learn.
Learn early on that not asking questions because you’re scared, actually damages you. It prevents you from growing and lets you stay just where you are at.
7. Get used to hearing NO
Getting a NO is a big constant in business development. After all, we try many different things to figure out what’s the one thing that actually works.
Don’t let a negative answer ruin your mood or motivation. Accept that it’s part of the process and every no is just one step closer to a yes.
8. Failure is the key to success
Just as getting NOs, failure is also part of the process. Especially if you are an entrepreneur who’s just starting. Accept this, but don’t fear it.
You’re gonna screw up and many things will not go the way you want. But see these events as learning points and move on from that.
9. Practice patience
The sooner you learn this lesson the better is gonna be for your future career. Working in business development requires a lot of patience.
Ours is a long-term game. It’s made of trial and error. You’ll talk with many people and try many different things. Be patient, and give things and people the right time.
10. Never say never
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught in this game, especially when you’re young. You might be tempted to classify things based on your current beliefs.
Don’t make this mistake. Be open to possibilities and don’t let present impressions or feelings close doors for the future.
11. Work harder
This might sound a bit obvious. However, you should never let your success or comfort make you feel you arrived at your destination. If anything, do more of what you’re doing.
Keep working, harder than before. Improve yourself and aspire to become a better version of yourself every day.
12. Don’t stress too much
Work hard, but don’t stress too much. Let’s be honest, a small amount of stress can be positive. It pushes you to go the extra mile.
But don’t let it get under your skin. Realize early on that the key to being successful in business development is also taking care of yourself. Stress out, but not too much!
Check also: Corporate business development training for business development teams
13. Be ambitious
The real difference between a successful and an average business developer is how passionate the first one is. Have big ambitions and work towards your goals.
You can basically achieve anything you want. However, if you lack ambition you’re just gonna stay in the big pool of average professionals. Know what you want and go for it!
You might want to read: How to Become Business Development Director.
14. Never stop learning
Being a learner is a big asset for any successful business developer. Consider yourself a toddler, even when you’re in business for decades.
Learning is what can set you apart from your peers. Be open, take courses, read books, talk to people, ask for advice, and ultimately, put into practice what you learn from everyone around you.
15. Build long-lasting relationships
Focus on building long-lasting relationships. Don’t cut contact with your university professors and friends. Or even ex-colleagues.
Realize that any contact you have today can become an opportunity in the future. After all, you never know where life will bring you. Build a strong network.
Read also: Business Development Success: People Before Profit
16. Know your target
Whether you’re already working or looking for a new job, always have your target in mind. Know precisely what you’re aiming for and that will make your life a lot easier.
Spend time understanding who or what your target is. Constantly think about it and what you can do to achieve your goals.
17. Don’t let success get over your head
Once you manage to be successful, don’t let it get over your head. Also, don’t quit your job as soon as you get some results.
In any job you take, there is always something new to learn. Business is in constant evolution. Don’t burn opportunities for growth out of arrogance.
18. Motivate yourself daily
Bad days happen to everyone. But don’t expect people to motivate you. Your manager, your boss, and your clients can motivate you only to the extent you want to motivate yourself.
Find that one thing that drives you every day and that you can turn to any time you feel down. Ultimately, you’re on your own and the sooner you learn that, the faster you’ll recover from temporary setbacks.
19. Do what you love and love what you do
Don’t settle for money or success. Work on things that make you happy and fulfilled. Realize that success and financial stability are not really good drivers when it comes to your daily job.
Eventually, you’ll feel miserable and you’re not gonna be successful. Choose your job carefully, and put your passions first.
20. Master your role and the opportunities will come
Last, in our tips to be successful in business development, focus on becoming better every day. Do whatever is in your power to master your role.
Then relax, enjoy and opportunities eventually will come.
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