Brandon Woodrow 
How Can I Become a Business Development Manager? There are numerous pathways available to those aspiring to become business development managers, including taking a degree course, signing an apprenticeship agreement or working within construction companies in relevant roles.
Business development managers must possess excellent skills at prioritizing activities and ensuring their team meets its sales goals. Furthermore, they must possess exceptional written and verbal communication abilities in order to provide sales presentations.
Identifying Potential Customers
Business development managers specialize in finding prospective clients and pursuing leads that have potential for significant revenue generation. They draft proposals and quotes for prospects interested in what their company provides, working closely with sales teams to build an extensive pipeline.
Market and business knowledge enable these employees to prepare budget forecasts for their company, while being skilled negotiators capable of creating relationships that foster customer loyalty are also assets.
Since BDMs often work across industries, it is essential they understand their market to effectively target prospects and create tailored marketing campaigns.
To become a BDM, a bachelor’s degree is generally necessary; alternatively, you could opt for vocational education and training (VET) courses or short courses to learn the necessary skills.
Developing a Sales Strategy
Business development managers’ primary responsibility is researching and devising strategies to increase sales at their company. In addition, they offer valuable market intelligence through conducting research or attending industry events so as to expand their professional network.
Liaising with prospective clients and stakeholders to generate leads for sales division can also be part of this role, whether that means via phone calls, emails or in person meetings.
Other tasks of business development managers include creating quotes and proposals for potential clients; increasing customer value; increasing customer satisfaction levels through novel methods; using their skills as negotiators to negotiate contracts and other aspects of the business; creating presentations to potential clients and reporting back key findings/information – this ensures appropriate strategies are used correctly in context for maximum performance.
Developing a Marketing Strategy
Business development managers wishing to increase sales must devise an effective marketing plan. This involves conducting extensive market research, identifying prospective customers, and creating leads. Furthermore, business development managers must create campaigns which drive revenue growth.
BDMs may need to possess in-depth knowledge of the technical details surrounding the product or service they’re selling; this may necessitate extensive training and ongoing education.
Excellence in written and verbal communication skills are required of BDMs, along with good time management and computing abilities; CRM systems and content management software play an integral part of managing work efficiently. Anyone interested in business and sales could take a first step toward becoming one by enrolling in Maryville University’s online Master of Arts in Management and Leadership program as a first step.
Developing a Business Plan
Establishing a business plan involves identifying potential customers, crafting proposals and presentations, analyzing data to make recommendations, prioritizing activities within their departments within a company, as well as prioritizing activities across different departments within that same company. Business development managers must possess these abilities.
Business development managers spend their days meeting with prospective clients, cultivating relationships and negotiating deals to expand their companies’ growth. Additionally, they attend networking events to expand their professional networks – which could open doors to future business opportunities.
Employers look for candidates with proven sales track records and an established book of contacts, along with relevant qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, business management or related subject. Vocational education and training (VET) courses such as diplomas or advanced diplomas also can provide job-specific skills and offer another pathway into this role.
