Surviving the First 90 Days in a Business Development Role: Tips and Tricks
Starting a new role in business development is challenging and stressful, especially when you are expected to meet and even exceed targets within the first 90 days. This period is critical, and how you perform during this time can impact your career growth in the long run. That is why it is essential to have a plan in place to help you navigate through this period. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks to help you survive your first 90 days in a business development role.
Understand the Business and Its Culture
To be successful in a new business development role, you need first to understand the company and its culture. You should study the company’s mission, values, goals, and target market. Research the company’s competitors, clients, and industry trends. Understanding the business will help you identify opportunities and challenges, create a strategy, and prioritize your activities. It will also enable you to speak confidently about the company’s services to prospective clients.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Before you start, set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Discuss with your manager what they expect from you in the first 90 days and how they plan to support you. You should also create a personal development plan and identify the skills and knowledge you need to acquire or improve on. Be specific about what you want to achieve, by when, and how you will measure success.
Build Strong Relationships
Business development is all about building relationships. You need to create a network of contacts and establish trust and credibility with your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Reach out to your colleagues and ask them for advice or guidance. Attend company events and industry conferences to establish connections and learn about the latest trends in the market. Remember to maintain a positive attitude, be authentic, and show interest in others instead of focusing solely on your needs.
Focus on Activities That Generate Revenue
During the first 90 days, focus on activities that generate revenue for the company. Identify the key decision-makers in your target market and build relationships with them. Qualify your leads, and prioritize those with the highest potential. Be proactive and follow up with your clients regularly. Remember, your first 90 days will shape your future success in the role, so make sure you focus on the activities that matter.
Be Open to Feedback and Adapt
It is crucial to be open to feedback and adapt to the company’s changing needs and priorities. Seek feedback from your colleagues, manager, and clients regularly. Listen to their suggestions, and be willing to make changes and adjust your approach. Remember, a willingness to learn and adapt will make you valuable to your employer.
Conclusion
Surviving your first 90 days in a business development role requires planning, focus, and determination. It is essential to understand the company and its culture, set realistic goals and expectations, build strong relationships, focus on revenue-generating activities, and be open to feedback and adapt. Remember, it takes time to build a successful business development career, but with the right attitude and approach, you can lay a solid foundation for future success.
