1. Communication and negotiation
A part of business development is convincing people to try
and do certain things, like offering assistance, lowering prices, or making
investments. There are negative ways to influence people, but the more ethical
and effective option is to learn the subtle art of finding common cause and
earning trust. That requires prioritization, understanding, and above all, a
tactful and genuine demeanor. No business can strive without exceptional
communication skills.
2. Project management and computer-based skills
While a business developer does not need to be ready to
provide IT support during this day and age, communication, research, and
analysis all depend upon using computers. Understanding basic programs, such as
Microsoft Word, and knowing how to take full advantage of the program’s
features are essential. Poor computer literacy will leave an individual less
efficient and effective, and less likely to meet their potential.
Of course, developing a business is a project. The business
itself is the project, so it stands to reason that a decent developer will have
tons of similar skills as a project manager. These include the ability to line
goals, establish timelines, manage risk, create and stick with budgets,
delegate tasks, and manage teams.
3. Business intelligence
Business development requires not only understanding one’s
own business, but also that of competitors and the market as an entire. Part of
gaining that understanding is simply researching and listening with an open
mind, while another component is collecting and analyzing data. Knowing which
market segments respond to what types of campaign, how large the market is, and
whether the market is currently changing, will give you an advantage over
competitors. That means understanding and staying current with statistics and
trends.
