subject: What Kind of Jobs are Business Development Jobs? [print this page] What Kind of Jobs are Business Development Jobs?
Business development is a term or role used that reflects a number of responsibilities within a company or organisation. It is a term used to bring together all the tasks and roles that are involved in growing and strengthening a business.
With a number of responsibilities involved within business development, it is clear that a number of positions exist which aid the growth of a business. Alternatively there also exists a role such as a Business Development Manager (BDM) that is a culmination of all of these roles. This type of position is usually quite senior and a BDM would be in charge of a team, responsible for the growth of the company.
So what are the jobs that aid the business development? Well the development of a business crosses many boundaries but can include any of the following jobs:
Sales
These jobs are at the heart of business development as they drive the business forward. The more that is sold, the more a business will grow. Sales departments of businesses can involve many different techniques including direct sales, business to business, agency based sales, or indirect sales such as web based sales or catalogues.
It is the role of a sales manager or BDM to oversee the sales techniques and methods deployed. Different sales strategies are implemented, and the success of which shall determine their effectiveness and longevity.
Marketing
It is important for existing customers and potential customers of any business to be communicated to effectively. There are different levels of marketing jobs, but they revolve around the idea of developing a strategy, creating marketing material and communicating this to existing and potential customers.
Marketing strategies are created based on information gathered regarding target audiences and the right products and services to promote. The management of these relationships, if successful, will inevitably be to the benefit of the business.
Information Management
In order to know who to sell and market to, businesses need information or market research. The information management roles are again an integral part to the business development as they provide the knowledge to direct the business. Having knowledge to act on in terms of marketing and selling will make for a far more efficient and effective business development as the company will know who to target and why. If not it could be wasted time, money and resources.
Customer Service
The face of the company or business is a crucial part to making sure customers and clients are happy with the service or product that a business is providing. Those working in customer service may not realise it, but they are providing a vital cog in the wheel of the development of a business.
For a BDM or customer service manager it is important that they get the best out of their staff. A happy workforce is an effective workforce and so part of the business development strategy is to make sure those representing the company are giving themselves and the company a good name.
Business Development
The overall function of business development is to therefore develop the business. The roles placed within this term really revolve around two functions. The client side, so that the sales and customer service and the operational side, so that's the information management and marketing.
Successful businesses work when all roles come together in a connected and systematic way. This is what the BDM is usually responsible for. Depending on the size of the business the role of the BDM can vary and is flexible, but the abovementioned roles are what usually fall within its remit.
