Welcome to The Biz Dev 100, powered by The BD 100, which aims to recognize and celebrate important role played in the media and marketing industry by those who source and bring in new customers and keep the fortunes of businesses on track.
Below is Chris McCash, one of those at the top of their field who work in the UK biz dev sector.
Name: Chris McCash
Job Title: Founder at Breadwinner Agencies
Agency: I work for 32 agencies under the Breadwinner banner
What were your highlights of last year?
Building a new business development platform for agencies in the regions
What has been your most memorable win - and why?
Convincing 32 competing agencies to form a market together.
How would you describe your approach to business development?
Business Development only solves the agencies problem, not the clients. Focus on your client's problems, which I do through applying planning principles.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don't "wee" over your audience. (Seriously, stop talking about yourself - we did this, we do that.) It was told to me by a much loved Glaswegian mentor now, sadly, no longer with us.
What would be your number one tip to anyone starting in business development?
Find a skill that isn't selling. Give yourself a role that is invaluable to clients. Your value is then seen beyond the pipeline and will help you with later progression in your career
What is your new business soundtrack?
How much is that Doggie in the Window - Patti Page
Brands looking to appoint a new agency should look to The Drum Recommends for help. The Drum Recommends offers reviews of agency partners by their own clients to offer insights to the rest of the industry when hiring.