In the simplest terms, business development is a process aimed at growing a company’s revenues and making it more successful. That can include seeking new business opportunities, building and sustaining connections with existing clients, entering strategic partnerships, and devising other plans to boost sales, profit and market share.
A business development plan, or business plan, should describe the organization's growth objectives and how it intends to achieve them, including financial goals, expected costs, and targeted milestones.
To effectively create and implement a business development plan, the team needs to set clear objectives and goals—ones that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). You can align these objectives with the overall business goals of the company.
Companies often analyze the current state of the organization by evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a SWOT analysis. That can make it easier to identify target markets and customer segments and define their unique value proposition.
Teams should conduct a financial analysis and do resource planning to determine the resources required for implementing the plan. Once you implement, you should track progress against the key performance indicators (KPIs) you've chosen.
Small businesses have the potential to achieve remarkable growth through effective business development activities. By setting clear goals, understanding your market, delivering value, and embracing digital tools and partnerships, you can unlock the best results for your business. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your business thrive.
Sam Krishnan | Management Consultant