12 Business Development Representative Skills: Definition and Examples
By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023
The Business Development Representative (BDR) role is a critical part of any organization’s sales team. The BDR is responsible for generating new leads and nurturing them through the sales process. To be successful in this role, BDRs must have a deep understanding of the sales process and be able to effectively communicate with potential customers. They must also be able to work independently and be self-motivated. The following are 12 skills that all successful BDRs must have:
Business Development Representative Skills
- Business
- Marketing
- Sales
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Organization
- Time Management
- Writing
- Research
- Presentation Skills
- Negotiation skills
- Closing skills
Business
The ability to develop business is essential for any business representative. This skill allows them to identify opportunities, build relationships, and create value for their company. Without this skill, a business representative would be unable to effectively do their job.
Marketing
The ability to market and sell products or services is essential for any business development representative. They need to be able to identify potential customers, understand their needs and desires, and then craft a sales pitch that will convince them to buy what you are selling. This skill is important because it allows businesses to find and keep new customers, which is necessary for growth.
Sales
The ability to sell is essential for any business development representative. They need to be able to identify potential customers, build relationships, and close deals. Without this skill, they will not be able to effectively grow the business.
Customer Service
Customer service is the act of providing support to customers before, during, and after they purchase a product or service. It can include everything from answering customer questions to handling complaints to providing refunds.
As a business development representative, you will be the first point of contact for many of your company's potential customers. As such, it is important that you have strong customer service skills in order to provide them with the best possible experience. This will help to build trust and confidence in your company, and may even lead to repeat business.
Communication
The ability to communicate effectively is essential for any business development representative. They need to be able to explain the products and services offered by their company in a way that is clear and concise, as well as build relationships with potential customers. This skill is important because it allows business development representatives to successfully promote their company's products and services, and ultimately generate new business.
Organization
Organization is a key skill for business development representatives because they need to be able to keep track of their prospects and leads. They need to be able to prioritize their tasks and know when to follow up with a lead. This skill helps them stay organized and efficient in their work.
Time Management
Time management is the ability to use your time efficiently and effectively in order to achieve your goals. It is important for business development representatives because they need to be able to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines at once. Time management skills will help them prioritize their work, stay organized, and meet deadlines.
Writing
The ability to write well is essential for any Business Development Representative. They need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely in order to persuade potential customers. This skill is important because it can make the difference between a successful sale and a lost opportunity.
Research
The ability to research is important for a business development representative because they need to be able to find information on potential customers and partners. They also need to be able to research the market and understand the needs of their target audience.
Presentation Skills
The ability to give presentations is an important skill for any business development representative. This is because they often have to present their company's products or services to potential customers or clients. Being able to do so in a way that is clear, concise, and engaging is essential in order to make a good impression and generate interest.
Negotiation skills
The ability to negotiate is an important skill for business development representatives because they often have to negotiate with potential customers and partners. This skill is important in order to get the best possible terms for their company.
Closing skills
The ability to close a sale is essential for any Business Development Representative. Without this skill, they would be unable to generate revenue for their company. This skill involves being able to effectively communicate with potential customers, understand their needs, and then match those needs with the products or services that your company offers. It also requires being able to overcome objections and ensure that the customer is satisfied with the purchase.
How to improve business development representative skills
The business development representative (BDR) is responsible for generating new business opportunities through a variety of methods including outbound calling, emailing, social media, and in-person networking. The BDR must be skilled in each of these areas in order to be successful.
Outbound calling is the most common method used by BDRs to generate new business opportunities. The BDR must be able to effectively communicate the value proposition of the product or service and overcome objections from potential customers. In addition, the BDR must be able to build rapport quickly and establish trust with the potential customer.
Emailing is another common method used by BDRs to generate new business opportunities. The BDR must be able to craft effective emails that are personal and relevant to the potential customer. In addition, the BDR must have a strong understanding of email etiquette in order to avoid coming across as spammy or unprofessional.
Social media is a powerful tool that can be used by BDRs to generate new business opportunities. The BDR must be active on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. In addition, the BDR must be able to create engaging content that will capture the attention of potential customers.
In-person networking is another effective method that can be used by BDRs to generate new business opportunities. The BDR must be comfortable meeting new people and starting conversations. In addition, the BDR should have a strong understanding of body language and nonverbal communication in order to make a positive impression on potential customers.
How to highlight business development representative skills
As a Business Development Representative, it is important to highlight your skills in order to be successful. When meeting with potential clients, be sure to emphasize your ability to develop relationships and build rapport. Be confident in your ability to understand the client’s needs and explain how your company can provide a solution. It is also important to be able to negotiate terms and close deals. Be sure to highlight your skills in these areas to potential clients.
On a resume
In order to highlight your skills as a Business Development Representative on your resume, you should include any relevant sales experience that you have. You should also highlight any skills that you have in customer service, as this is a key component of the role. Additionally, be sure to include any relevant industry knowledge or experience that you may have.
In a cover letter
In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a Business Development Representative. Include your experience working with clients, your ability to build relationships, and your knowledge of the sales process. Describe how you have helped businesses grow and why you would be an asset to the company you are applying to.
During an interview
As a Business Development Representative, you should highlight your skills in customer service, sales, and marketing during your interview. You should emphasize your ability to develop relationships with customers, identify customer needs, and close sales. You should also discuss your experience creating and executing marketing campaigns, as well as your knowledge of the latest marketing trends.