Maximize Your Business Development Persona
“To grow yourself you must KNOW YOURSELF.”
You don’t have to be an extrovert to excel in business development. At the recent SMPS Southern Regional Conference in Houston, our very own Melanie Meeks, CPSM, and Allie Horne, CPSM, shared insights on how professionals can leverage their natural strengths to build meaningful connections.
During their session, Paint the Town Red Part II, attendees took a proprietary quiz developed by Meeks Marketing to discover which of five business development personas best suited their networking style. A business development persona is the natural way you are inclined to connect with clients and potential clients.
Understanding these personas allows professionals to navigate networking settings with confidence and authenticity. Curious about where you fit in?
The Five Business Development Personas
1. The Therapist – If you appreciate vulnerability and deep conversations, you might be The Therapist. You thrive in one-on-one settings where you can build trust and provide valuable insights. Your strength lies in creating meaningful, lasting relationships.
2. The Friend – If you prefer informal interactions and easygoing conversations, you align with The Friend persona. Your warm and approachable nature makes you excellent at forming connections naturally and without pressure.
3. The Connector – Do you enjoy making introductions and facilitating relationships? Then you’re The Connector. Your ability to link people with the right opportunities makes you invaluable in business development.
4. The Resource – If detailed discussions and sharing expertise excite you, you fit The Resource persona. You thrive in providing useful information, positioning yourself as a go-to expert in your industry.
5. The Observer – If you’re more reserved and thoughtful in engagement, you may be The Observer. You appreciate encouragement and prefer to assess situations before diving in, making you a strategic and insightful networker.
Why This Matters
By understanding their persona and recognizing the styles of others, attendees left the session equipped with strategies to build authentic relationships and enhance their business development approach. Whether you're a natural conversationalist or a strategic listener, there’s a networking style that fits you—and it’s all about leveraging your strengths.
Interested in discovering your persona? Reach out to take our quiz and start networking with confidence!