How to become a Business Development Manager

Business development managers are responsible for developing proper business solutions and managing realistic expectations for the organization. They create business plans that effectively increase revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and increase brand loyalty. As such, their work is closely related to that of advertising and marketing managers. More than just well-timed networking, business development is the creation of long-term value for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships.

• A business development has to research organizations to find new customers and identify who makes the decisions.
• They have to do ‘cold calling’ to arrange meetings at customers’ premises.
• Finding out what an organization needs and working with a team to plan proposals and pricing.
• A business development manager has to sell products and services to new and existing customers.
• They have to negotiate with customers and building positive relationships
• Attending events and conferences.
• Writing reports and making presentations to customers and senior management.
• Identifying new methods and opportunities for sales campaigns.
• Forecasting sales targets and making sure they’re met.
• Delivering training to business developers and junior sales teams.

To become a business development manager one must have the ability to sell products and services. The ability to use your initiative, ambition and a desire to succeed is also required. Excellent communication, leadership, customer service and business management skills. To be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently is necessary.