A mentor recently reminded me that the word “sales” is not always perceived well when used in a  conversation.  It is unfortunate but true because some “sales people” have ruined the reputation of all of us through non-standard practices that are remembered and shared with others.  Even those companies and employees that I coach have trouble being called “sales people” even though what they do does have an impact on company revenues.  Maybe that is why most businesses do not even print the word “sales” on business cards.

The primary duties of anyone in the business development field is to create opportunties for their company by finding a need in the marketplace and filling that need the products or services that their company offers.  How do you do that without being “sales’ like?  I would offer that the activities that you do have an impact on how you are perceived and that some of the best sales people I have know have never been described to me as “sales people”.

What do these people do differently that leads to increased opportunities for their companies?

• Perform strategic business reviews with current clients that helps them understand how you have added value to their business and what other services you offer

• Conduct lunch-n-learn sessions for account managers in other companies that can refer you to opportunities in their client base.

• Schedule breakfast and lunch meetings with centers of influence that are secondary stakeholders in targeted companies you want to work with.

• Focus your free time and champion a non-profit by volunteering your services to help with their fund development.

• Ask current clients for referrals.

• Introduce your clients to prospects, strategic partners, and other service providers that help them grow and improve their business.

• Make sure all of your family and friends know what you do.

Working any of these tactics into your activity calendar will help you increase your opportunities without the traditional sales tactics that are taught in videos and highlighted in the movies.