If you want something badly enough you set out to get it, whatever ‘it’ may be. It can take time, but with the right level of dedication and determination the prize can often be realised.  The same can be applied when looking at a successful business development programme.

I know this as it’s what people say most of all when they feedback; ‘Your persistence has paid off’ is a familiar retort, and it’s all good.  People like the persistence – it’s respectful and not repetitive, where communication is well thought through and where previous insight gleaned from initial conversations has been considered.  Also, it shows a genuine desire and if the reasoning stacks up, progress will happen in time when a requirement for your services is on the horizon.

We apply persistence in different ways. We’re creative, we think of our audience (age, personality, outlook etc) and what is likely to grab our target’s attention (a call, email, InMail, Tweet, video link, event invitation, letter, creative mailer, on occasion even cupcakes…). Then, once we’ve made that impression, we stay front of mind (if the timing is a little off and progress can’t be made immediately). A few successful examples include;

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