How to Improve Your Business Development Prospects
Business development is key whether you work at home alone or you work for a large company. Not only can you improve your current business, but you never know where a good lead can take you over the course of your career. You'll want to check out these tips on improving your business development prospects!
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Instructions
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Get familiar with your niche. If you're trying to target others, think about the places they are going and the resources they are reading. Then get there. Take 10 minutes right now to write down what your niche is and what your ideal client looks like. Think of ways to target those prospects. (Hint: Do this exercise; don't just think about it. You'll be amazed what comes out of your head when you write things down!).
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Join a group. There are plenty of networking groups out there, so scout them carefully before signing up for automatic yearly fees. Find one that meets weekly or monthly at a time that works for you, as well as offers the ability to network with business prospects--not just others in your industry. If the goal is securing business, networking with others in your shoes won't land you new clients. Make sure the group is affordable, you like the people and it offers professional development opportunities. (Hint: Choose a group with a Web presence so that you can be listed in their Web directory--another way to secure leads!).
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Plan time for business development. Most of us are so focused on our daily tasks, that fitting in time for the necessary "extras" can be hard. So put time aside in your planner--again, in writing--to schedule time to make calls, send emails and attend events.
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Follow up. Once you meet a prospect, get his or her business card and pass yours on. Follow up with the prospect within a few days via phone, email or a written note. In the brief communication, let the person know you're happy you met (you may want to mention the name of the event, for example) and that you look forward to getting to know him/her.
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Tips & Warnings
Scout newspapers, industry magazines and websites for networking opportunities.
When meeting prospects, don't be too pushy, but let them know what you can do to help them--then leave them with your contact information.
Offer prospects something useful. Even posting some valuable content on your website with a strong call to action (encouraging them to contact you for more information) gives the client the ability to assess what you have to offer. Most competitors may not include value-added extras, so insight into your industry and what you offer is important.
