As a business development manager, the first 90 days can make or break your reputation with the company. Here are some tips on how to excel during this crucial time period and set yourself up for success.
1. Get to Know Your Team and Company Culture
It’s important to get to know your team and understand the company culture during your first few weeks in the role. Schedule one-on-one meetings with team members and ask questions about their roles, responsibilities and goals. This not only builds rapport with colleagues, but also helps to identify strengths and weaknesses to capitalize on later.
Additionally, attending company events and meetings, and getting involved in cross-functional initiatives will give you a clear understanding of the company’s culture and values. Be an active participant during these events, showcase your skills and make an effort to form relationships outside of your department.
2. Define and Communicate Goals
Before taking any action, it’s important to establish a clear understanding of what your goals are. What does success look like for you in this role? What is your role in achieving the company’s goals and objectives?
Once you have a clear understanding of what these are, communicate them clearly to your team members and stakeholders. This helps to align everyone’s efforts towards a common goal and ensures that expectations are clear from the outset.
3. Create and Execute a Strong Action Plan
Once you have an understanding of your team’s individual strengths and weaknesses as well as your goals, create an action plan to achieve them. This means identifying key initiatives or areas that need improvement and designing a roadmap to reach those objectives.
When designing the action plan, be detailed, include what specific actions needs to be taken, who will be responsible, and the timeline for each step. Be sure to communicate your plan and progress to stakeholders on a regular basis, keeping them in the loop increases transparency and trust.
4. Build Strong Relationships with Customers and Clients
As a business development manager, it’s crucial to build strong relationships with customers and clients. Start by understanding their needs and preferences. Schedule regular check-ins and be proactive about maintaining the relationship even after closing a deal. This helps to create a sense of partnership which in turn fosters long-term loyalty and repeat business.
5. Stay Current, Analytics and Professional Development
To excel in this role, you must be current on the latest industry best practices, trends and emerging technologies. Conduct regular industry research and attend relevant conferences or events to stay on top of new market insights.
Additionally, monitor your performance and track progress using analytics. Gather data on what is working and what’s not, and make necessary adjustments. Lastly, invest in professional development, whether that is by taking relevant courses or attending workshops that develop and enhance your skills.
In conclusion, success as a business development manager in the first 90 days is possible by building strong relationships, clearly defining goals, executing a data-driven action plan, staying current in the industry and seeking out professional development opportunities. Taking a proactive and dedicated approach is key to achieving long-term success in this role.
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