Business Development

Hone your craft

Be a ‘sponge’ to learning

Expose yourself to as many facets of your role as possible

• You may come from industry role (eg. broker, underwriter, claims representative) or perhaps account management or sales in another industry; your entry point helps set your learning focus at this stage – business development or insurance acumen?

• In some organizations, business development is an extension / part of another specialist role; you may find it helpful to also review the career map for your operational role (eg. Broker, Loss Adjuster, Underwriter) to benchmark and help set career goals

Build on your knowledge and experience

•   Increase ability to manage accounts and client needs more independently

•   Maintain balance between internal business drivers and relationship management

•   Foster understanding and expertise in defining key metrics and relationship needed for business success

•   Continue to hone pitch / presentation skills

Assess what lies ahead

• Continue to foster capacity to secure new business, enhance products/coverages, and develop relationships

• Consider your skills and experience when making decisions about next steps; what feels right for you? Specializing, diversifying, taking on new challenges like people leadership, business process improvement, or other?

• Set a goal and work towards it

• Talk to your manager or HR for additional support

Explore ways to share your expertise

•   Evaluate which ‘track’ feels in keeping with your goals - technical specialist or operational leader?

•   Consider leveraging your expertise in practice leadership roles in other areas of your organization (eg. Underwriting, Claims, Risk Management, etc.)