Preparing for Business Development Before My First Day
Hi everyone! I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting my new role as a 360 consultant on January 6th, and I’ll have some free time over the next three weeks.
I’m seeking advice on how to handle business development leads, especially since they can be quite time-sensitive due to competition from other agencies.
I haven’t updated my LinkedIn profile yet, and I currently don’t have access to my new firm’s case studies or success stories—only my own.
I initially planned to reach out after the New Year, but I’m concerned that potential candidates may be scooped up by competitor agencies or secure other offers.
Additionally, how should I approach discussions with prospective candidates when I’m not yet officially in transition? I’ve been straightforward about my upcoming role, but I’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies. Thanks!
RCadmin
Congratulations on your new role as a 360 consultant! It’s great that you’re thinking proactively about business development even before starting. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate BD leads during this transition period:
Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your existing contacts and let them know about your upcoming role. You can share your excitement and ask if they know of any candidates who might be a good fit for the positions you’ll be working on. Most people appreciate transparency and may have valuable referrals.
Use Your Personal Brand: Even though you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile yet, you can still share your journey and what you’re looking forward to in your new role. Consider posting about your transition and mentioning you’re looking for talented individuals in your field.
Be Honest with Candidates: When reaching out to prospective candidates, it’s perfectly fine to be upfront. Let them know that you are about to start with a new agency and are eager to connect with individuals who might be interested in opportunities. Many candidates will appreciate your transparency.
Create a Shortlist: If you’re concerned about losing leads to competitors, take this time to identify ideal candidates based on your experience. Start building a list of potential prospects and mapping out your approach for when you officially start.
Research Competitors and Market Trends: Use this downtime to research what the competitors are doing in your niche. Familiarize yourself with the types of roles they’re filling and the skills they prioritize. This knowledge can help you position your new agency effectively when you start.
Plan Your Outreach Strategy: Develop a structured outreach plan for when you do start. Consider different channels (LinkedIn, email, etc.) and refine your messaging. Think about how you can convey your new agency’s value proposition even without specific success stories yet.
Engage on Social Media: Start engaging with potential candidates on platforms like LinkedIn. Comment on their posts, share relevant articles, or ask questions related to their professional interests. This can build rapport before approaching them directly.
Stay Motivated: It’s understandable to feel anxious about leads slipping away, but remember that building relationships takes time. Your proactive approach now will pay off once you start.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to hit the ground running when you start your new job. Best of luck, and have a great first day!