Cold calling has a bad reputation. A volume game driven by blunt sales targets and even blunter sales managers. But this is a world away from the hugely important and genuinely skilful art of proper telephone BD. It can bring in sales, build brands and open locked doors…

From ‘on the brink’ to ‘Britain’s best’: Why we can all learn from Julie Fadden’s miraculous resuscitation of SLH Group

Julie Fadden - Chief Executive , SLH Group

This is the fourth consecutive year that South Liverpool Housing Group (SLH Group) has topped The Sunday Times ‘100 Best Not-For-Profit Companies to Work For’ list. If you’re tempted to click elsewhere after reading the words “Not-For-Profit”, we’d urge you to read on…

Project Fear or Project Ignorance?

Professor Kevin Morley - Former CEO , Rover Group

Why Britain is the fool of the EU – Being in the EU is good for business but we’ve got to start standing up for ourselves, says Professor Kevin Morley

Complacency kills: change before you have to

Peter Scott - Former Managing Partner , Eversheds

Individuals and firms who resist or ignore change will wither and die, says Peter Scott, former Managing Partner of Eversheds…

Losers make excuses. Winners develop attitude.

John Maffioli - Founder , BDLN

John Maffioli, founder of BDLN.com on why it doesn’t just take time to develop business or a practice. It takes attitude…

A fax? Why don’t you send it over on a dinosaur?

BDLN comment: Why you need to stop preaching innovation if you’re standing still…

You have an entire army of talent. Why aren’t you using it all?

Mike Sharkey, on why the smart firms harness the power of their youngsters…

Is your BD team hiding behind bureaucracy?

John Morris - Business Development Partner , Smith & Williamson

Sales leaders need to focus on culture and mindset, not bureaucracy, says John Morris, of Smith & Williamson…

Why the professional services industry must change

John Maffioli - Founder , BDLN

BDLN founder John Maffioli on why most firms are a long way from achieving their full potential…

The four ways professionals can win my business

Lyndsey Simpson - Co-owner , The Curve Group

Lyndsey Simpson, co-owner of The Curve Group, explains her very specific process for selecting expert partners…

Treat graduates like royalty and build a spy network

Ruby Parmar - Head of Private Business , PwC

Ruby Parmar, head of PwC’s private business practice, shares her insights on how to build for long-term success

Five insightful ways to build your personal brand

Tony Waller - Partner , Olswang

Tony Waller, head of technology at Olswang, offers advice on how to strengthen your reputation…

The golden rules of effective business development

David Scott - Founding Partner , Vestra Wealth

David Scott, founding partner of Vestra Wealth, shares his advice for winning work, especially from cold calling…

Why carrying on doing what you’re doing is not an option

Mike Harris - Founder , First Direct & Egg

Mike Harris, founding CEO of First Direct and Egg, on why you must seek the forces of change and react to them…

Four reasons why you ignore SMEs at your peril

Nick Gould - Partner , Collyer Bristow

Nick Gould, partner at Collyer Bristow, challenges the tendency to overlook SME businesses…

Seven techniques to use to be truly memorable in meeting

Paul Saunders - Partner , Shakespeares

Paul Saunders, partner at Shakespeare Martineau, on how to be truly memorable in meetings…

How to lose clients without even trying

Guy Rigby - Partner , Smith & Williamson

Guy Rigby, partner at Smith & Williamson, reveals the seven deadly sins of a professional adviser…