Mastering the Art of Business Development: Your bullet-proof Swiss Career Guide

This job series is part of all Sales jobs in Switzerland series, check our other focus on the blog

What is the job of Business Development?

If Business Development as a business function were an emoji, it would be a rocket ship 🚀!

That’s how we would describe it: As a Business Developer, your primary responsibilities will include 

- identifying new business opportunities and markets, 

- developing strategies to attract new clients, 

- and maintaining relationships with existing clients. 

Additionally, you'll be responsible for preparing detailed business reports and presenting them to senior management. 

Your role may also require you to provide training and mentoring to team members on business development techniques. Your ultimate goal will be driving sustainable financial growth through boosting sales and forging strong relationships with clients.

You may be thinking, “But isn’t this what sales is doing?”?

And our answer is “No”. Sales is centred on directly engaging with customers to generate immediate revenue, whereas Business Development focuses on identifying and creating new opportunities for long-term growth. 

In a nutshell: Sales = immediate, Business Development = long-term.

What to expect in Business Development?

You will be tasked with a lot of high-level tasks, such as 

• conducting market research to understand trends and competition, 
• analyzing business proposals,
• Analyzing financial data to determine viability,
• negotiating contracts and deals to maximize profits while ensuring customer satisfaction. 

You'll be expected to collaborate with various departments within the organization, such as marketing, sales, and management, to develop and implement growth strategies. 

For that, you will need to have a deep understanding of the company's products or services, as well as the needs and challenges of its target market. 

You will also need to be able to work collaboratively with various teams within the company, including sales, marketing, and product development. Your ultimate goal is to drive sustainable financial growth by boosting sales and forging strong relationships with clients.

What are the myths about Business Development?

1. Myth: Business Developers Are Just Salespeople - Yeah… we addressed this one earlier… While sales skills are certainly beneficial in business development, the two roles are not interchangeable. Business developers focus on creating long-term value for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships. They strategize and implement plans to increase growth and profitability, which often involves more than just selling a product or service.

2. Myth: Only About Networking: While networking is important, business development in Switzerland also heavily relies on strategic market analysis, understanding local business practices, and aligning with Swiss precision and quality standards.

3. Myth: Primarily Focused on International Markets: There's a misconception that business development in Switzerland is only about expanding into international markets, whereas it also involves significant work in cultivating and expanding domestic markets, and understanding local regional differences within Switzerland.

What are the competencies required for a Business Development professional?

1. Business Acumen: A business developer should have a deep understanding of the business landscape, including Swiss market trends, understanding local business dynamics, and identifying potential growth opportunities, particularly in key sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

They should be able to identify opportunities for growth and develop strategies to capitalize on these opportunities. 

2. Relationship Building: This role requires strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. They should be able to effectively communicate the company's value proposition and negotiate deals that benefit all parties involved. 

3. Strategic Planning: Business developers need excellent strategic planning skills to devise effective business development plans. They should be able to set clear objectives, identify key resources, and outline the steps needed to achieve these goals. 

What qualities are required for a Business Developer?

1. Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Yes, we mentioned strategic planning, but strategic thinking is a crucial quality that will serve you well in business development. In Business Development you won’t find answers in a textbook. So, the ability to analyze market trends, understand business landscapes and develop strategic approaches tailored to the Swiss market are non-negotiable to succeed in this role.
2. Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly changing, so a successful business developer needs to be flexible and adaptable. This requires a strong understanding of business principles and a forward-thinking mindset. 
3. Communication Skills: A business developer must be able to effectively communicate with clients, team members, and stakeholders. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as the ability to listen and understand others' perspectives. 

What is the future of Business Development

We would love to not bore you with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, but they are expected to play a significant role in business development. “Why?” you may ask. 

Well, these technologies can help identify potential leads, analyze market trends, and predict customer behaviour, making the process more efficient. 

However, despite these technological advancements, the human element will remain crucial in business development. Building relationships with clients and partners will still require excellent communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. 

Sustainability is another factor that will shape the future of business development. As consumers become more conscious of environmental issues, businesses will need to develop sustainable strategies that maintain being profitable, too.

How to best start a career in Business Development?

Starting a career as a Business Developer involves a combination of education, experience, and key skills. Here's how you can get started: 

1. Obtain Relevant Education: Yes, this is a field that benefits from degrees. Pursue a degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field from a renowned Swiss university such as the University of St. Gallen, ETH Zurich, or the University of Zurich. Specialize in courses that focus on strategic business development, market analysis, and international business.
2. Gain Industry-Specific Experience: Switzerland is known for industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and technology. Start with internships or entry-level roles in these sectors to understand their specific business development needs and challenges.
3. Develop Networking Skills and Connections: Actively network within Swiss business circles. Attend industry events, join relevant professional groups, and participate in business development seminars or workshops prevalent in Switzerland.

How to find the best Business Development jobs that suit you?

If you are reading this, you may be looking for job openings to discover exciting opportunities in Business Development. Of course, you are already checking Linkedin, the main Swiss job portal, etc… But we have potentially something even more potent for you. 

We’ve carefully selected a range of promising junior Business Development positions in Switzerland, known for their competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and clear avenues for career growth. 

Explore our curated list of openings and apply effortlessly with our innovative video application process.

You’ve got this! – We're excited to support your journey in Business Development.