During the #GreatReset of our economy it is now more important than ever to seek new business development opportunities to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of your business.
Check-in on your People
Most of the business you earn over time will come directly from your relationships. Direct referrals have the highest closing rate since it comes from a trusted source. People within your network are much more likely to take a call, explore ideas, discuss needs and help when/where/how they can. A simple check in strengthens your relationships and gives you an opportunity to be of service to them in exchange.
Spend quality time on LinkedIn
Look for people to connect with. Accept as many connection invites from qualified individuals. Set up calls with vendors and learn the challenges everyone is dealing with on a deeper level . Read quality content and comment/share the content in your feed.
Look to Advertising
Keep a watchful eye on social media, TV, radio, print and look for businesses that are thriving in this environment. Bookmark ads and/or make a list of ads of interest you’ve heard recently. Keep a watchful eye on how the needs/problems/pain points are being addressed by businesses and how advertising is getting their message across. Share your findings with the team and add this to your list of businesses that make sense to approach for partnership or better yet look to see if you have relationships in these thriving markets.
Consider the Needs
Start first by taking a look at your own life. How have your needs, habits, patterns changed? Chances are you represent a large majority of people that are experiencing the same life changes. For example, if you joined an online workout class, chances are others have as well.
What are some immediate changes people are in need of assistance with? Education? Easy meal recipes? Time management? Think of what YOU yourself could use as a step up and explore those best-case-scenario options. If you see the need for it, it’s almost guaranteed that you’re not alone.
Thought Leadership
You don’t need to have a massive platform in order to share your ideas. Start small with your local circle and spread outward from there. If you have ideas/thoughts/antidotes that can lead to a positive change, then share it with the world. Getting your message out is only a click away. Think about the person that will suffer if you don’t show up with this information.
Collaborate
Last, but not by any means least, once you have all of your ideas centralized, find a way to enroll your teammates/partners/staff/family in the process. By working as a team we increase the size of our network and are able to build upon good ideas and turn them into actionable ideas that achieve results.