How to become a good business development manager?

A business development manager (BDM) is a key role that can be a very lucrative and financially rewarding long-term career path. If you like making plans, setting and reaching goals and working with people inside and outside your company, becoming a BDM might be the right career for you.

As a business development manager in the UK, you’ll be part of the sales team. You will be responsible for finding potential customers, making offers to new clients and building relationships with customers and co-workers. Business development is crucial for the growth of the company.

Business development managers are important for an organisation because they ultimately generate revenue and help the company grow. But what can you expect in the role each day? Let's find out in more detail.

What is a business development manager?

Business development managers are important members of the go-to-market (GTM) team. The GTM team focuses on bringing new products to market. They help a company sell its products or services. They make lists of potential customers, talk to these potential customers to get them interested and try to turn them into future customers. They use skills like planning, managing projects and negotiating to do their job.

To be a good business development manager in the UK, you should be friendly, like learning about sales strategies and enjoy working with people. It's also important not to get discouraged if people say no, because each "no" can bring you closer to the "yes” that you’re looking for. Being part of a team that helps the company grow can be very rewarding.

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What does a business development manager do?

The main goal of a business development manager in the UK is to find new ways to earn revenue for the firm. How you do this depends on what the company does. You might look to identify new markets, new partnerships, new ways to reach existing markets, or new products or services to meet the needs of existing markets.

The role can also involve going to events and meeting people, setting up booths at shows and meetings, calling people you don't know, or talking to people who want to buy from you.

Role of a business development manager?

While the role of a business development manager in London and different regions of the UK may vary depending on the organisation and the type of industry, you can expect it to include:

While jobs like these don't always require a specific degree, BDMs might have qualifications in marketing or business. Alternatively, they might have started as sales representatives or marketing assistants and worked their way up because they showed they had the skills to be good business development managers.

A business development manager in London, UK needs to be comfortable in dealing with people. This might include important tasks like finding new business, talking to important clients, or working with senior stakeholders. Their main job is to provide the sales and marketing team with new potential customers.

Skills to become a good business development manager in the UK

Some of these skills and qualities can be developed while working in the role, but others are necessary to have before getting hired. Here's a list of the skills that you will need to be a good business development manager in the UK:

1. Communication skills

A good business development manager in London or anywhere in the UK should have strong communication skills to create strong and successful relationships with key clients. They should also be able to adjust and develop solutions to meet clients' needs by communicating clearly and decisively.

2. Negotiation skills

A business development manager in the UK must always be polite and diplomatic. They should know when to find a middle ground and when to firmly propose solutions to convince potential clients, earning their trust and commitment.

3. Research and strategy

To attract clients effectively, a business development manager in London and other regions of the UK should possess strong research skills. Firstly, you must understand the client's service, requirements and objectives. This entails researching the firm, their existing clients their challenges and their aspirations for growth. Additionally, you should be capable of researching the most up-to-date technology and comprehending how it can be utilised to lower costs, reduce workforce, and enhance business performance.

4. Business intelligence

In addition to understanding your client's objectives, a good business development manager in London or anywhere in the UK collaborates with their operational team to grasp their own business offerings.

  • What services do they provide to other similar clients?
  • What are the competitors offering?
  • How can you come up with a solution that meets your client's needs while also being cost-effective?

This is crucial for developing the market offering and determining how it stacks up against competitors.

5. Networking

You should be comfortable with networking because it will help you create important connections and form partnerships with both new and current clients, as well as within the larger market and industry.

Here are some valuable networking guidelines that can assist you in your role as a business development manager in the UK:

Networking guidelines for a business development manager in the UK:
1. Describing yourself briefly and impressively
2. Setting yourself apart from others
3. Assisting and meeting client needs and requests
4. Upholding honesty, trustworthiness and a good reputation
5. Organised networking - attending network events, meetings and cultivating relationships

By refining these skills, a business development manager in the UK can establish strong client relationships, adeptly negotiate agreements, perform thorough research, create a competitive market offering and form valuable partnerships within the industry.

How to become a business development manager in the UK?

The path to becoming a business development manager in London and across different regions of the UK can vary depending on your industry and individual circumstances.

  • Educational qualifications: While there are no strict educational requirements, pursuing business development courses in the UK can be advantageous. Some BDMs may also have backgrounds in finance, economics, or other relevant disciplines.
  • Gain work experience: Building experience in sales, marketing, or related roles is crucial. Many BDMs start as sales representatives, marketing assistants, or in other entry-level positions to learn and develop the necessary skills.
  • Develop skills: A business development manager in London and across different regions of the UK needs a range of skills, including communication, negotiation, strategic planning and relationship building. If you are committed to this career path then you will need to consider taking on-the-job experience, training, or workshops.
  • Networking: Establishing a network of professional contacts can be highly beneficial. You should consider attending industry events, joining professional organisations and connecting with colleagues and mentors who can provide guidance and opportunities.
  • Apply for BDM positions: Look for job openings for business development managers in various industries. Start with entry-level BDM positions and work your way up as you gain experience and prove your capabilities.
  • Stay updated: Business trends and technologies change rapidly. Stay informed about industry developments and emerging technologies that can impact your role as a business development manager in the UK.
  • Build a portfolio: Keep a record of your successful projects, deals and achievements. This portfolio can be valuable when applying for higher-level BDM positions or seeking promotions.

Study business development courses in the UK with Global Banking School (GBS)

GBS is a leading institution that specialises in offering industry-focused courses in areas like finance, accounting, healthcare, business, construction and more. They have campuses in many major cities across the UK. GBS aims to prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.

One of the strong points of GBS is its dedication to staying connected with what industries are looking for in leading graduates. GBS has strong partnerships with academic institutions, giving students great opportunities to engage with industries and meet many people. The institution often hosts lecturers and organises events where students can learn about various jobs. This allows students to gain insights from experienced professionals in different fields, giving them information about potential job opportunities.

Notably, GBS's commitment to aligning with industry needs is reflected in its excellent National Survey Scores, surpassing the average scores in ten themes. This impressive result shows that the institution’s comprehensive approach, which includes industry collaborations and student input that creates a vibrant, career-focused learning environment.

Business development courses in the UK by GBS
1. BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year
2. BA (Hons) Global Business (Business Management) with Foundation Year
3. BSc (Hons) Business & Tourism Management
4. BA (Hons) Business and Management (Level 6 Top-up)

Why study business development manager courses in the UK with GBS?

Studying business development manager courses in the UK with GBS offers several advantages which include:

  • Building strong connections with top companies while pursuing business development manager courses in the UK:

GBS has close ties with companies that provide students with valuable chances to learn about the industry and connect with professionals during events, workshops, etc. This leads to practical knowledge and the possibility of finding job opportunities.

  • Pursue great business development manager courses in the UK, made with industry experts:

A top-notch curriculum created with input from industry experts, making sure it meets the current expectations for a career in the construction field.

  • Experienced teachers to teach business development manager courses in the UK at GBS:

The institution’s skilled teachers bring their extensive industry knowledge to the class, making the learning experience better. They share valuable information and practical examples that connect what you learn in class with how it works in real life.

  • GBS’s business development manager courses in the UK help students get ready for jobs:

GBS provides thorough career support services that assist students in improving their job-related skills, getting ready for interviews and making connections with potential employers.

Frequently asked questions about business development courses in the UK

Business development courses in the UK focus on enhancing skills and knowledge related to growing and expanding businesses. They cover various aspects of business strategy, marketing, sales and entrepreneurship.

The journey to becoming a business development manager in London or anywhere in the UK may differ based on your industry and personal situation. Enrolling in GBS's business development manager courses in the UK can be a valuable step toward achieving success in this role. To know more about our business development courses in the UK, contact us.

Yes, a business development manager is a good job role for those who enjoy strategic planning, building relationships and driving growth for a company. It often offers competitive pay and career advancement opportunities.

To apply for GBS's business development manager courses in the UK, start by visiting our website and locating your desired course. From there, you can easily submit your application directly on the course page or get in touch with our student support team for assistance.

Business development is important because it helps companies grow, expand their reach and find new opportunities for future success.