The BD100 celebrates the trailblazers of business development—those who drive growth and lead their agencies to new heights. To secure your place on this year’s list – or even clinch the title of Business Developer of the Year (BDOTY), or Rising Star award – it’s essential to create a compelling submission that highlights your unique contributions and achievements. But how do you ensure your entry stands out?
Here are some insider tips to help you craft a winning BD100 submission.
1. Showcase Your Unique Personality
Business development is a relationship-driven field, and personality plays a pivotal role in building trust and rapport. When drafting your submission, highlight moments that demonstrate your:
* Communication skills: Discuss how active listening and thoughtful responses have been key to fostering strong client relationships.
* Empathy and trust-building: Share examples where you have established long-term relationships with partners, rather than just focusing on the quick wins.
* Authenticity and professionalism: Illustrate how you balance being approachable and credible.
For instance, past Rising Star winner Myreete Stanforth was celebrated for her determination and ability to connect deeply with clients. Think about how your personality has been a cornerstone of your success and let that shine in your application.
2. Focus on Tangible Results
Results are at the core of business development. The judges are looking for measurable achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver impact. Make sure your submission includes:
* Key metrics: Highlight conversion rates, revenue growth, and other data points that reflect your contributions.
* High-impact wins: Showcase accounts you’ve secured that have driven both financial success and lifted your agency’s reputation.
* Consistency: Provide evidence of sustained performance, not just one-off successes. Provide context on previous years to highlight improvements.
Be specific—quantify your achievements and explain their significance. For example, Dean Rowland’s winning BDOTY submission detailed the concrete outcomes of his leadership and the transformative impact it had on his agencies overall performance.
3. Share Your Strategic Thinking
A well-rounded submission should reflect your ability to think strategically. Highlight how you:
* Align with agency goals: Share examples of how your strategies targeted high-value clients and supported broader agency objectives.
* Leverage data: Detail how market insights and analytics informed your decision-making.
* Collaborate effectively: Discuss how you worked across teams to execute seamless, coordinated efforts.
Consider framing your strategy in the context of challenges you’ve overcome. For example, Lizzie Clayton, BDOTY 2024, impressed judges with her innovative approach to navigating a difficult market. Your ability to adapt and lead with vision is crucial.
4. Highlight Creativity and Innovation
Creativity is not just for pitches—it’s a vital skill for any business developer. Use your submission to demonstrate how you:
* Bring fresh ideas: Share unique approaches to client outreach, pitches, or problem-solving.
* Tailor your methods: Provide examples of how you’ve personalised your strategies to meet specific client needs.
* Champion your agency’s strengths: Illustrate how you’ve positioned your agency’s capabilities in innovative ways.
Think about moments where you’ve stood out creatively, whether through storytelling, or crafting a winning pitch. Past Rising Star Daniel Marriott’s submission highlighted his knack for blending creativity with business impact—a perfect balance to aim for.
5. Demonstrate Industry Contribution
Judges aren’t just looking for individual success; they want to see how you’ve contributed to the wider business development community. Be sure to include:
* Thought leadership: Share articles, talks, or insights you’ve provided to advance industry practices.
* Mentorship: Highlight how you’ve supported and inspired the next generation of business developers.
* Advocacy: Discuss initiatives you’ve led or supported to promote inclusivity and innovation.
Many winners have tackled critical industry issues while mentoring and supporting others. Show how your contributions extend beyond personal achievements to create lasting impact.
6. Tell Your Story
Finally, your submission should tie everything together into a cohesive narrative. Start by identifying the key themes of your journey in business development. Then, structure your entry to:
* Highlight your growth and progression.
* Connect your achievements to the qualities that define a BD superstar.
* Emphasise the impact you’ve made on your agency, clients, and the industry.
A strong narrative will help judges understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters.
The Path to Recognition
The BD100 isn’t just about celebrating talent; it’s about recognising individuals who drive growth, inspire, and lead with purpose. By focusing on your unique personality, results, strategic thinking, creativity, and industry contributions, you can craft a submission that sets you apart.
Ready to take the spotlight? Click here to submit your entry.