BDs need to be trendy generalists in this tight market to find fresh opportunities.
When the term "BD" comes up in tech circles, it piques people's curiosity, prompting them to ask, "What does a BD actually do?" I've often felt slighted by this question, but truly, this role is multifaceted. In short, IMO, they are the ones who support the devs and designers by managing all the ancillary tasks, enabling them to focus on product development.
1. BDs Not just Mingling, but Mining.
BDs aren't just schmoozing at events—they're there to charm feedback out of prospects and turn nose-thumbing rejections into gold. Offstage, they're hustling, using every X and TG contact to squeeze out the feedback that'll polish the service from rough to diamond-grade. All in a day's smirk-worthy work. > The unforgettable sight of @brian_ms_kang(former college of mine) at Kyoto IVS 2023, intently scanning the crowd with red eyes, too focused even to take a sip of water.
2. BDs: The Web3 Hustle - Selling Dreams Online(chain) and Off.
While Web2 peddles ready-mades, BDs in Web3 are the dream weavers, marketing not just a product, but a promise. Their job? To kindle trust in a future yet unfolding and to cultivate connections that go beyond the tangible—armed always with relentless hope.
3. BDs: The Multi-Role Strategists.
Questioning "Who's on it?" Look no further than BDs. They're the trend trackers, token experts, compliance wizards, and corporate spies shaping strategy. With hats aplenty—marketers, community gurus, chat moderators, salespeople, and occasional HR—they're the glue binding our endeavors to the company's vision, steering the operational ship.
Q. More soft skills or technical skills? which is more important to BDs?
In BD, soft skills are often part of the package if you're heading down this career path. But it's crucial to leverage your network, crafted from those soft skills, to beef up your technical know-how.
As a BD professional, clarity is your superpower. When mingling at conferences, you need a solid grasp of your product and technology to provide just the right level of detail to your audience.
To earn Dev Geeks' respect, genuinely grasp (or convincingly appear to grasp) their work when they discuss it. Listen intently, ask pertinent questions, and respond insightfully. It’s vital to convey that you’re knowledgeable about your work—it fosters a connection with those who value expertise.
And there's another angle for BDs to consider: viewing technology through the lens of revenue. When you're dealing with business and project stakeholders, you need to paint a picture of how a partnership could boost their career and performance, not to mention the benefits it could bring to their company.