Start-of-the-week BD tips #2

I'm about to head off on some leave, so here's the few tips I'm implementing before I go.

  1. I've scheduled at least one BD meeting per week for the first two weeks on my return to maintain my pipeline momentum.
  2. I have systems in place to handle incoming opportunities while I'm away in addition to the standard 'out of office' response. I don't want to leave an opportunity idle for two weeks waiting for my return. My recommendation: Give access to a trusted colleague who knows how to deal with these types of inquiries.
  3. My key clients know I'm going to be hard to catch, but also how to catch me if they need to. Again, it's easy to make a handful of quick calls to people to ensure they know they're important to me and they won't be surprised if I can't be reached.
  4. I'm doing something special on this trip which should fuel the stories I can share on my return. I find there's always a lesson or two that can be drawn for my work after I reflect on the ups and downs of a trip. Note - I'm not intending to be thinking about work while I'm on leave, but afterwards, I'll reflect on the adventure of it and wonder if I learned anything new.
  5. And finally, given this is close to the end of the financial year, I'm taking a moment to be thankful for another year of quality clients, quality networks and quality support. One of the key characteristics of 'rainmaker's is to be optimistic and I try to make sure I regularly look on the bright side of being in this market - who I know, who I serve, and the work I am allowed to do. It puts a smile on my face. Try it yourself.