We live in a business world dominated by technology, technology which has led to marketing and sales taking on many of the 1-to-1 conversations which traditionally have been held by business development professionals.
It might seem that business development roles have become obsolete.
But we believe business development has a distinct and extremely relevant role in our current workplace.
While marketing professionals are still primarily responsible for getting the right proposition out to prospects and sales specialists are predominantly responsible for converting them into paying clients, business development experts are essential for connecting them.
Businesses need business development people to build and nurture these key relationships, which in turn make our marketing and sales functions work. We need them to communicate the value of a product or service. We need them to build trust.
While business development is arguably everyone’s responsibility, it’s a business development manager or director who enables employees to enact this responsibility effectively. Without them, marketing and sales have the added burden of developing the strategic, mutually-beneficial partnerships which provide much of the long-term value to most businesses.
By focusing solely on building and sustaining client relationships, a business development professional with their expert knowledge can enable the rest of the business to strengthen its offering and become truly client-orientated. Marketing can use business development’s insights into client pain points and requirements to create more targeted services and messaging. Sales can benefit through increased conversion and repeat business. Business development can be a fantastic facilitator and help synchronise internal functions.
By building relationships, business development can also make HR’s job much easier. Loyal clients are an asset for referrals and employer brand, which both make it easier to reach out to new prospects and attract top talent. It’s often these relationships that make or break a business.
Another key strength of having a business development professional on board is being able to grow sustainably; they can ensure relationships are nurtured at the right pace in the right volume to ensure you meet your service agreement.
Far from being obsolete, business development professionals are vital for improving productivity, generating business growth and increasing profitability. While it’s not always feasible to have a dedicated role for business development, if resources allow it can be an extremely worthwhile investment.
At Sitka, we specialise in finding leading business development professionals for ambitious Welsh based organisations. Please get in touch to find yours.
To find out how we can work with you, please drop us a line
The recruitment process was easy, and after our initial conversation with Ita she advised us on how to fine tune the job specification and tailor to to attract the right candidate for our needs. The delivery and recruitment service was swift and Ita kept us informed at every stage of the process.
The candidate we chose in the end was the right fit for our business. They have just passed their probationary period with flying colours and have fitted in like they have always worked for us.
The recruitment process was seamless. From our initial meeting, when we thought we wanted a certain person, Ita guided us through the type of person we needed initially, and who we would ideally like to recruit for the development of the business. She found us both in quick succession.
Ita’s communication skills are second to none. She kept us informed at every step. I would definitely recommend Sitka.
I was thrilled when I was offered my new job, which I felt was down to Sitka’s support and proactivity. Karen kept in contact and made sure I was happy in my new role. This personal and professional service is second to none. I would highly recommend!
The experience of working with Sitka was really enjoyable. It was like talking to a friend who knew all the answers to my future career.
The experience of working with Sitka has been fantastic. They provide an excellent service with a professional and friendly approach. Karen kept me informed every step of the way, even sending through interview technique tips.
In all honesty I don’t think there was anything Sitka could have done differently. It was a time when we were struggling to get any applicants for various reasons. To find someone as good as we did is testament to the hard work Karen put in. We would never have found that candidate if we hadn’t used an agency like Sitka and Karen.