Prospect for new clients by networking, cold calling, advertising or other means of generating interest from potential clients.
Plan persuasive approaches and pitches that will convince potential clients to do business with the company. They must develop a rapport with new clients, and set targets for sales and provide support that will continually improve the relationship.
Grow and retain existing accounts by presenting new solutions and services to clients. Business Development Managers work with mid and senior level management, marketing, and technical staff.
Strategic planning is a key part of this job description, since it is the business manager’ s responsibility to develop the pipeline of new business coming in to the company. This requires a thorough knowledge of the market, the solutions/services the company can provide, and of the company’ s competitors
Duties
Work with and develop the current prospect database within specified business sectors to generate effective leads & exceed sales targets for the business.
Develop a sales contact plan to include cold-calling, direct marketing, and attending industry events to build relationships with key prospects.
Respond to incoming Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in a professional and creative manner.
Understand a prospect’ s business needs and develop a tailored digital marketing Proposal using all relevant TD products and solutions, drawing on expert internal resource as required.
Work closely with Marketing to identify appropriate go to market messaging for specific business sectors.
New Business Development
Prospect for potential new clients and turn this into increased business.
Cold call as appropriate within your market or geographic area to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities. * Meet potential clients by growing, maintaining, and leveraging your network.
Identify potential clients, and the decision makers within the client organization.
Research and build relationships with new clients.
Set up meetings between client decision makers and company’ s practice leaders/Principals.
Plan approaches and pitches. * Work with team to develop proposals that speaks to the client’ s needs, concerns, and objectives.
Participate in pricing the solution/service.
Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion. * Use a variety of styles to persuade or negotiate appropriately.
Present an image that mirrors that of the client.
Client Retention
Present new products and services and enhance existing relationships.
Work with technical staff and other internal colleagues to meet customer needs.
Arrange and participate in internal and external client debriefs. Business Development Planning
Attend industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends.
Present to and consult with mid and senior level management on business trends with a view to developing new services, products, and distribution channels.
Identify opportunities for campaigns, services, and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales.
Using knowledge of the market and competitors, identify and develop the company’ s unique selling propositions and differentiators.
Management and Research
Submit weekly progress reports and ensure data is accurate.
Ensure that data is accurately entered and managed within the company’ s CRM or other sales management system.
Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met by the team.
Track and record activity on accounts and help to close deals to meet these targets.
Work with marketing staff to ensure that prerequisites (like prequalification or getting on a vendor list) are fulfilled within a timely manner.
Ensure all team members represent the company in the best light.
Present business development training and mentoring to business developers and other internal staff.
Research and develop a thorough understanding of the company’ s people and capabilities.
Understand the company’ s goal and purpose so that it will continual to enhance the company’ s performance.
Knowledge Sharing, learning & development
Enhance own development by taking responsibility for staying informed and up to date with industry knowledge.
Work closely with the affiliate team to develop new business proposals.
Work closely with the client service, operations, editorial and implementation teams to demonstrate expertise at new business pitches.
Contribute to the learning environment by identifying areas where there is potential for learning and building knowledge with others.
Adopt the performance management scheme by setting objectives, participating in performance reviews and building a personal development plan
Qualification
Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of sales or marketing experience. An MBA is often requested as well.