From research to networking to outreach programs, using the right development tool can do wonders for all aspects of your business. It can grow your customer base, expand your sales potential and build new relationships with clients and other companies.
With so many different strategies and solutions, it can be difficult to know what tools will work best for certain situations. That's why we asked the experts of Forbes Business Development Council to share which business development tools they can’t live without. Here are their 14 favorite tools and how each one steers their company toward success.
1. The Phone
For me, it's a phone. Options for just about every service or product are many, and direct verbal communication is becoming more and more scarce. Forging a more personal relationship through real conversations with both prospects and customers has been the single greatest contributor to building my network of evangelists and true partners. - Jacob Dearstyne, Optizmo.com
2. An Integrated Database Provider
When my team is beginning to build a prospecting plan, the most critical part is the list of targets. We use a third-party database provider, which integrates with our CRM and allows my team to easily search industries, contacts and download directly into our contacts. - Angie Barnes, NAVCO
3. Ahrefs
My business is entirely web-based, so search engine optimization is our top priority. Because of this, Ahrefs is the most important tool at my disposal for further developing my business. Without the ability to track my sites' growth and compare with my competitors, I wouldn't be able to reach new markets and customers the way I currently am. - Bryce Welker, Crush The CPA Exam
4. PitchBook
You can't win unless you're the most prepared, and having knowledge and data at your fingertips is the only way to be more prepared than the next guy. Don't just rely on public info, and also don't trust yourself to keep checking. You can set alerts on PitchBook for interesting investors, segments or companies. - Kit Merker, Meshmark
5. A Mobile CRM
Having a CRM that is mobile-friendly is paramount for business development road warriors. This allows for updating leads, accessing relevant info and keeping your team informed while also on the go. - Lauren Homme, E4H Environments for Health Architecture
6. Trello
We use Trello as our project development and accountability tool to keep the entire team on task. It allows us to break a project into pieces and assign each piece to a team member. - Joel Goldstein, Mr. Checkout Distributors
7. G2
Vendor comparison review platforms like G2 are vital. Most business buyers conduct their own online research before they reach out. They would rather read what similar companies have to say about a product than listen to a sales pitch. When we send someone a G2 vendor comparison, we see more engagement from them because people trust people. - Christian Valiulis, Automatic Payroll System
8. LinkedIn
The one tool I can absolutely not live without is LinkedIn. From business intelligence to prospecting, lead generation, relationship building or thought leadership. LinkedIn is by far the most useful sales, marketing, business development, social media marketing and business intelligence tool, all wrapped up into one. If you aren't selling on LinkedIn, you're leaving money on the table. - Scott Douglas Clary, ROI Overload
9. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is as important as any business development tool I use. Google Calendar allows me to stay organized personally and professionally, providing the foundation elemental to leading a successful and productive schedule and organization. Google Calendar also allows me to have a handle on the calendars of other team members and makes scheduling meetings and calls significantly easier. - Adam Mendler, The Veloz Group
10. Social Media
One huge business development tool is social media. It allows you to connect quickly and directly with who you want. It also allows you to be able to really get to know your prospect’s likes and personality and see if they align with your company and market. Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are all huge tools that can help you connect with who you want! - Karolina Hobson
11. In-Depth Sales Performance Dashboards
Our sales team cannot live without in-depth sales performance dashboards. Key metrics, such as the best time to call, agent activity versus performance and call-to-opportunity ratios help us optimize daily workflows and assess the health of our forecasts while coaching our team to success. Without these metrics, our sales leadership would be unable to intelligently predict future growth. - Howard Brown, RingDNA | Inside sales & enterprise sales acceleration software
12. A Good Contact Database
Having a good contact database has been essential for my team and me to reach our goals. Gaining access to verified datasets allows us to engage with prospects and build relationships with key contacts across various departments and sectors of business. We are able to speak directly with decision-makers, making it easier to pitch and sell. - Sarah Knapp, Spruce Technology
13. Customer Success Managers
Our customer success managers are charged with proactive outreach to all existing clients. This role is vital in uncovering opportunities, creating a trusted relationship, identifying issues before they become issues and making the customers feel appreciated. Out of sight is out of mind. They ensure we are top of mind with our clients. The outcome is ever-increasing opportunities. - Manoj Tandon, Dark Rhino Security
14. My Expanded Network
LinkedIn is my go-to to check where my network connections may help. It provides access to the board of directors, current and former employees and the background of potential decision-makers. The research possibilities within expanded networks are critical for me to form response strategies. Recently, we were able to interview former employees to immediately craft employee-centric solutions. - Stephanie Brock, Red Thread
