Advice for a New BD Rep & Entrepreneur

In Episode 23 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy provides advice for new business development representatives and entrepreneurs who are looking to market their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of starting with local marketing and targeting the right individuals within organizations who have the power to make purchasing decisions. Kennedy also discusses the concept of imposter syndrome and encourages listeners to not be discouraged if they feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do. He stresses the significance of consistency, structure, and organization in business development and marketing strategies, and recommends two books for those starting out in these fields: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "The Like Switch." Kennedy concludes by highlighting the value of creating meaningful relationships and prioritizing customer needs, and he encourages listeners to hold themselves accountable and stay focused on their goals.

In Episode 23 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy provides valuable advice for new business development representatives and entrepreneurs. He suggests starting marketing efforts in the local area before expanding, and emphasizes the importance of targeting the right individuals within organizations who can make purchasing decisions. Kennedy shares his own experiences with imposter syndrome and assures listeners that it is normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure when starting out. He stresses the need for consistency, structure, and organization in business development and marketing strategies, and recommends two books, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "The Like Switch," for those new to these fields. Kennedy concludes by highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships and prioritizing customer needs, and encourages listeners to hold themselves accountable and stay focused on their goals.

Key Takeaways:

• The best location to start marketing is the local area where you are based, as it is easier to pitch to people who understand the relevance of your product or service.
• It is important to clearly identify and target the specific individuals within an organization who have the authority to make purchasing decisions.
• Imposter syndrome is common and normal for new entrepreneurs and business development professionals, so it's important to acknowledge and overcome these feelings.
• Consistency, structure, and accountability are crucial in business development and marketing strategies.
• Building relationships and networking through organizations like local Chambers of Commerce can provide valuable opportunities for business growth.
• Having all customer information and work organized in one place, such as a CRM system, is essential for effective business development.
• Personalization and meaningful connections in outreach efforts, such as sending a brief introduction and a brochure, can increase the chances of engagement and meetings.
• Holding oneself to account and setting specific goals, such as making a certain number of phone calls or sending a specific number of introductions, is important for achieving consistent results.
• Utilizing digital platforms, such as LinkedIn, for outreach and introductions is effective, but it's critical to follow up with offline and personalized communication.
• Having a structured daily routine and staying organized can enhance productivity and effectiveness in business development and marketing efforts.