Recently, I decided (was persuaded) to get a bike and get a different type of exercise (I love walking but need some variety).
I managed to buy a second-hand bike, which was much better for the environment and less impact financially if I decided it wasn’t for me.
This naturally brought around the expression “It’s just like riding a bike” after realising I hadn’t ridden a bike for over 10 years. We use this in business, and I have used and heard lots of people use it in a business development frame.
The phrase is true.
The fundamentals don’t change:
- Steering and watching where you are going
- Balance at low and high speed
- Pedalling (keep pedalling especially on the hills)
Business development is the same. The fundamentals don’t change.
- Focus on client’s needs
- Understand what they are trying to achieve or avoid
- Position what you offer to match their specific needs as closely as possible
The “It’s just like riding a bike” phrase has a few flaws though.
Bikes have changed.
- They have more gears (than I could possibly use)
- Suspension
- Disc brakes
In short, bikes are better equipped than a lot of cars I have owned!
So yes, it is like riding a bike for the basics, but I needed a refresher. I also needed to learn about all the new toys and kit. This is mirrored in your business development approach. You need to do the basics (and do them extraordinarily well) and you need to work to really understand and get the best from the new tools. These could be things like:
- Social media interaction and engagement
- Quality presentations, proposals and emails
- Data and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools
Even the clothes have changed. Cycling shorts with more padding than an episode of “Stranger Things”! Have you flexed what you wear to better match your clients? Top tip, do avoid the padded cycling shorts though, they haven’t yet made their way into many business meetings.
