The Point: In any business development effort, the leaders are the key elements of any organization to increase the number of sales. Effective business leadership gives direction and defines the framework to achieve the expected objectives, all the while attempting to avoid inefficiency and misuse of resources. So in this post, we’ll explore improving business development leadership skills and share 3 tips… Enjoy!

Business Development Leadership… Lonely at the Top?

Business development leadership is the driving force behind efforts to achieve best sales, innovation and productivity. In my years of consulting, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’ve identified that there is a strong correlation between leadership development and business performance. So why are so many organizations reluctant to invest in leadership development training for sales leadership? The answer may surprise you!?!

The Best 3 Tips for Improving Business Development Leadership Skills

A leader with a vision ensures that people understand not only where the company is at, but where it plans on going (and how the people listening play a vital role in how the organization will get there!) The sales leadership in the company can, and should, be seen as the engine that powers the business. The business development leadership role is to be an influential person who motivates their troops and displays a natural positivity.

The following are what I consider to be the top 3 tips to achieving a good sales leadership dynamic:

Tip #1: Be Transparent

Good communication skills are essential for leaders to perform well.

The first step is to be totally transparent with the employees and to tell them exactly where the business is and what their role is.

I often see Sales Leaders that lack authenticity (Be yourself!) attempt to hide behind a proposed leadership mask. People, especially salespeople, will know if you are sincere or not. Your salespeople need all the information they can get to help you achieve your business development goals. Not disseminating information can only provide you confusion/trouble along the way.

Tip #2:   Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses… Then Delegate

In good business development leadership the particular leader must be aware of his or her skills and personality. Make sure you know your strengths, weaknesses and gaps. You can focus on what you do the best, while knowing where you are likely to need help. Furthermore, you could reinforce a weak point in your skills by hiring an external consultant.

The inability to delegate is probably one of the biggest challenges for many leaders who often practice micromanagement (or mismanagement). Sales leadership should recognize the strengths of other members of their team in order to benefit from them. It is important to learn how to surround yourself with competent staff, but you must provide them with the opportunity to prove that competency.

By delegating you also develop your employees, which would be essential to the long-term growth/stability of both the individuals and your organization (People are generally up to the challenge!)

Tip #3: Networking

Another effective business development leadership tip is business networking. If ABC stands for “always be closing,” then the sales leader should employ ABN (Always Be Networking!)

Business networking is a leader’s best friend, regardless of business size (but especially for small and medium-sized businesses). Leaders often need to connect with other business owners, so as to share experiences and learning from each other. Effective leaders know how to build relationships and build beneficial partnerships/alliances.

Networking is also a way to keep up with trends and maintain your visibility in a highly competitive market.

SUMMARY

In this post we’ve explored how improving business development leadership skills can be beneficial. Effectiveness in business development leadership often results in improved performance and improved the sales in the organization. The 3 top could create wider opportunities in business development. These tips have benefited from actions that have had a lasting impact on their business growth.

Sam Palazzolo