How to Create More Opportunities for Your Business

More visibility. More conversations. More work.

Business Development isn’t about luck. It’s about being intentional. If you want a strong and consistent pipeline of work, you need a strategy behind how you show up, who you connect with, and how you follow through. And yes, it takes time.

Here are some of the key steps that help turn conversations into real opportunities:

1. Start with a Strategy

Winning in B2B isn’t random. It takes a clear strategy, consistent action, and relentless follow-up. Business development is a process. Do it properly or don’t bother.

2. Build Real Relationships

Relationships drive results. Meet face-to-face where you can, even if it’s just for a coffee. Ask smart questions. Be genuinely curious about their business. Understand where your expertise fits.

3. Lock it In

After every meeting, do the follow-up. Log the details in your CRM. Send a thank you. Note any leads or opportunities. Set a reminder for your next follow-up. No loose ends.

4. Stay in Touch

Follow-up isn’t a one-off. Send an email, share a recently completed project, pick up the phone, or add them to your newsletter. Your job is to stay relevant and gradually educate them on what you do and why it matters.

5. Be Clear and Ask

At some point, you have to ask for the work. If you’ve stayed in touch and shown your value, don’t be vague. Be clear. Be confident. Ask for the opportunity.

6. Use Digital to Reinforce Your Message

Between meetings, your digital presence keeps doing the work. Use LinkedIn and other platforms to reinforce who you are, what you do, and why you’re different. Consistency builds trust. Visibility drives decisions.

7. Know When to Outsource

Sounds like a lot of work? It is. That’s why Business Development is a profession. If you don’t have the time or in-house resources to do it properly, consider outsourcing. It’s exactly what we do at SmartVisory.

If you’re not across all of this yet, or you’re struggling to stay consistent, it might be time to rethink your approach. Because the truth is, conversations don’t become clients unless you put in the work behind the scenes.

Need help? Get in touch. We help businesses build visibility, trust, and opportunity every day.