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What does a Sales & Business Development do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A Sales & Business Development professional is responsible for generating new business opportunities and developing relationships with potential customers. They may also be responsible for creating and executing sales strategies, negotiating contracts, and maintaining customer relationships.

Sales & Business Development job duties include:

  • Developing and qualifying leads
  • Creating and maintaining a sales pipeline
  • Conducting market research
  • Identifying new business opportunities
  • Generating sales reports
  • Managing customer accounts
  • Building relationships with clients
  • Negotiating contracts
  • Meeting sales targets
  • Providing product demonstrations

Sales & Business Development Job Requirements

A job in sales & business development requires at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, although many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree. Certification is not always required, but it can be helpful in landing a job. Experience is also important, as most employers want to see that you have at least some experience working in sales or a related field.

Sales & Business Development Skills

  • Prospecting
  • Cold Calling
  • Lead Generation
  • Client Acquisition
  • Client Retention
  • Account Management
  • Territory Management
  • Quota Attainment
  • Pipeline Management
  • Forecasting
  • Revenue Growth

Related: Top Sales & Business Development Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Sales & Business Development

Sales and business development is a process that begins with identifying potential customers and then developing relationships with them. The goal is to eventually convert these customers into paying clients. There are a few key steps that need to be taken in order to successfully become a sales and business development professional.

First, it’s important to have a strong understanding of the products or services that you’re selling. This means being able to articulate their value and how they can benefit potential customers. It’s also important to be knowledgeable about the competition and what sets your products or services apart.

Once you have a solid understanding of what you’re selling, it’s time to start building relationships with potential customers. This can be done through networking, attending industry events, or even cold-calling. The goal is to get your foot in the door and start building rapport with potential buyers.

Once you’ve established some relationships, it’s time to start closing deals. This involves working with potential customers to understand their needs and then crafting custom solutions that address those needs. It’s important to remember that every customer is different, so it’s important to be flexible in your approach.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful sales and business development professional. Just remember to always keep learning and expanding your skillset so that you can continue to drive results for your company.

Related: Sales & Business Development Resume Example

Related: Sales & Business Development Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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