Why Business Development is Essential for Any Professional

Professional roles require individuals to work extremely hard to acquire professional qualifications. In some cases this takes years, as well as specialising in a specific area or discipline. This demonstrates a particular level of competency in your profession and quite rightly, it is highly valued and demonstrates your credibility.

However, for professions such as law, once you have these qualifications, you are expected to bring in business - and in order to progress careerwise, the income you generate for the firm is taken into account. Instead of focus on your professional skills, you have to balance this with business development. However, business development is not exclusively banging on doors asking for work, but building business relationships with prospective clients as well as existing clients. To build your reputation, trust and success.

I have been working alongside other talented experts to write a book supporting Business Development for Women Lawyers. I have written two chapters on: Building Business Relationships and Overcoming blocks surrounding self promotion.?

These are key parts of your business development: Building Business Relationships - with colleagues, other people within the legal profession, as well as people within the community and prospective clients, is essential. I discuss different aspects of this and some strategies for achieving this.

However, the second chapter I have written is all about taking credit for your achievements and contribution to projects. Many people, especially women, find it very challenging to accept compliments and more importantly to ‘own’ contributions. So often I hear even very experienced, successful women say “The Team…” rather than “I” even when they have played a principle role in the project.

And here’s the truth: some of your colleagues and rivals for future opportunities will not be being so modest. They will take credit for their contribution and ‘possibly’ take credit for contributions they have not contributed to #justsaying?

If you avoid taking credit for your contributions and achievements, you risk others undervaluing your contribution and value to the firm.?

In the book I share reasons why people don’t take the credit for their achievements; why it is so important to take the credit; why this isn’t bragging and how you could do this effectively.

There is a wealth of expertise and information for female lawyers. I have contributed two chapters: on taking the credit for successes and Building a reputation within the industry. I will be sharing more information on these topics in future. More information here:?

I have a 15% Discount so if you want to purchase this book for your organisation, please use this code: AUTHBDW

I am taking bookings to facilitate seminars, masterclasses and deliver speeches. If you would like more information or to discuss dates, why not book a call or email [email protected]

I am swimming in the Serpentine Swim with my husband. We are raising money for AGE UK which is a charity in the United Kingdom, supporting elderly people with advice, support and company. If you are able and interested, I would be so grateful if you could support the fundraising. Here is the link to support us: https://2024swimserpentine.enthuse.com/pf/susan-wright

I always love to speak to people; if you have any queries or would information about any of the services we offer, please feel free to

book a call https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat ?

Until next time,

Best wishes

Susan

Thank you very much for continuing to support the SuperStar Communicator newsletter.?

About the author:

Susan Heaton-Wright is the founder and creator of the SuperStar Communicator? methodology; international speaker, facilitator, coach, former international opera singer and podcaster.

Susan is best known for empowering emerging leaders all over the world to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility; through her speeches, by facilitating masterclasses and workshops and by coaching talented individuals. Since 2020 she has delivered virtual masterclasses and workshops to attendees from more than 130 countries world wide and has won a number of awards for her work. She is currently creating AI learning options to increase the learning experiences for her clients.

She is curious for any changes in communication changes and especially in a technical world. Keeping the human element in communication is essential for the maximum impact! Susan co-hosts live streamed discussions with business leaders and is the co-host of the SuperStar Communicator Podcast.?

?Susan facilitates workshops - face to face and virtually on a range of topics:?

• Presentation Skills
• Public Speaking
• Assertiveness Skills
• Having difficult conversations
• Women in Leadership Communication
• How to Demonstrate Credibility
• How to be Positively Disruptive
• Networking Skills

These topics are also available as masterclasses.

I also coach talented people on being more impactful for career progression. Do contact me for more information on the one to one coaching services on communication skills I offer.

And as a speaker Susan delivers speeches on:

• How to demonstrate credibility
• Women in Leadership Communication
• Be a SuperStar Communicator: be seen, be heard, make an impact

Why not challenge your communication skills with our 30 Day planner. Purchase here.

When not working, Susan designs and sews her own wardrobe; surfs, swims and plays the viola in an orchestra. She fundraises for the Alzheimers Society, The Isabel Hospice and supports the St Albans PostBoxes Charity.

Why not connect with her on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/susanheatonwright ?