Seeking Guidance on Business Development Basics
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out for some assistance in refining my approach to Business Development.
To give you a bit of context, I work at an agency focused on healthcare providers, primarily care homes and homecare services. I manage four counties within our market, but my area has seen some disorganization due to previous consultants and overlapping efforts.
While I’m confident in my ability to conduct B.D. calls and prefer a proactive call-first approach, I find myself struggling with organization. This is an area I’m actively trying to improve.
Currently, I’m entering data into our system, maintaining various Excel sheets, and jotting down notes, which often leads to confusion by the end of the week. Unless I manage to take notes during a call, I frequently lose track of which managers I’ve connected with and those I still need to follow up on.
Overall, I’m aiming to enhance my ability to track prospects and gain a clearer understanding of my market.
If anyone could provide me with some straightforward methods or tools to stay organized—like a simple system to track conversations and follow-ups—it would be immensely appreciated. I’m looking for a way to streamline my process and build my market knowledge.
Thank you in advance for your help!
RCadmin
Hi there!
It sounds like you’re facing a challenge that many business development professionals encounter, especially when dealing with a diverse market like healthcare providers. Here are some structured steps you can take to simplify your tracking and organization process:
Centralized CRM System: If you’re not already using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, consider implementing one. A good CRM can help you store all your contact information, notes from calls, and follow-up dates in one place, reducing the need for multiple Excel sheets and handwritten notes. Look for a user-friendly CRM that aligns with your needs, such as HubSpot, Salesforce, or even simpler tools like Trello or Notion.
Segmentation: Organize your contacts by category (e.g., care homes, homecare, etc.) and by region. This will make it easier to filter and find contacts relevant to your current objectives.
Tracking Calls and Follow-Ups: Create a standardized template for your calls where you note key points, follow-up dates, and action items. This could be a form or even a dedicated section in your CRM or spreadsheet to ensure consistency in your notes.
Weekly Review: At the end of each week, spend 30 minutes reviewing your notes and the CRM to assess who to follow up with. Highlight or flag the contacts requiring immediate attention to make it easier to prioritize.
Follow-Up System: Establish a simple system for follow-ups, such as sending an email or making a call 3-5 days after your first contact. Use reminders within your CRM or calendar to keep track of these dates.
Market Knowledge: Set aside regular time (e.g., 1 hour a week) to research trends and news in your market. Bookmark relevant articles and resources, and keep notes in your CRM or a dedicated document about insights on prospects. Having this background knowledge will aid your conversations and help you engage more meaningfully.
Batch Processing: To save time and streamline your process, consider batch processing your tasks. For instance, dedicate specific days/times for making calls, updating notes, and researching rather than mixing tasks throughout the day.
Visualize Your Progress: Utilize charts or dashboards available in your CRM to visualize your progress against targets and the number of contacts engaged. This can provide motivation and maintain focus on your goals.
By incorporating these strategies, you should notice a significant improvement in your organization and tracking efforts. It might feel overwhelming initially, but by starting simple and gradually building on these practices, you can develop a system that works for you. Best of luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out for further support as you implement these ideas!
Cheers!