How much time should you allocate to business development?

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A Sitepoint reader asks, “What percent of your time do you allocate to business development vs. client service?”

Answer: As much as it takes.

Think outcomes, not tasks.

When my pipeline is strong and I am very busy with client work, I rely on my automated marketing systems (see latest article by me on Sitepoint), and also allocate some time to expanding my network and generating referrals.

When my pipeline is weak, I do what it takes to make it strong.

The greatest salesperson I’ve ever met is a 24-year old, unpolished high school graduate who earns $500,000 a year selling mortgages by phone.

I asked him the same question as above and his reply was:

“I call prospects three nights a week, no matter what. If my pipeline is strong, I keep calling until I get two leads. If my pipeline is weak, I keep calling until it is strong again.”

Once again: As much as it takes. Let the strength of your pipeline of upcoming deals, and your goals, determine how much time you spend on business development.

Written By:

Andrew Neitlich

Andrew's consulting practice focuses on helping professionals and entrepreneurs build successful businesses. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1991. You can get his books, sign up for his free newsletters, and learn more about him at www.fastmarketingresults.com. Andrew also maintains Down to Business: SitePoint's Small Web Business Management blog.

 

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