EPMEPM: Productivity

9 tips for becoming a stronger BDM: Tara Bradbury

Being a successful BDM is about more than great prospecting or becoming an investment specialist. Tara Bradbury explains why it's also important to ‘be seriously interested’ in your role.

If I could narrow it down to one simple formula that would show you how to be a successful BDM, would you follow the steps? It comes down to three simple words: ‘be seriously interested’ in what you can do for others.

I guarantee that reviewing these nine key areas will change the way you approach your BDM role in the coming weeks.

1. Bravery
Know that from time to time you will experience difficulty, pain and frustration.  It’s what you do after the situation and how you approach that next email, meeting or phone call that makes you brave and worthy of the role.

2. Creativity
Think of novel and productive ways to ensure the customer has the best experience with you and your agency. Set yourself apart from the competition by being different.

3. Curiosity
Be curious about everything that is going on in your area, research topics for all the different customers you meet along the way and ensure that you don’t allow curiosity to be taken over by procrastination.

4. Humour
Bring smiles to other people, see the lighter side of things and in general have a good laugh. Bring out your authentic personality and remember: landlords like to do business with real people.

5. Zest
Approaching every day with excitement and energy is going to have a positive impact on every person you connect with that day. Doing things half-heartedly is only going to demonstrate to the client you are prepared to give them 50 per cent effort.

6. Honesty
It’s never easy delivering tough news, but the more you do the stronger your profile, brand and business will become.

7. Gratitude
Never think the role of BDM will be easy and that what you see on social media is how all the top-performing BDMs live. Each day they are grateful for where they are, continue to fight for the top spot and never take success for granted.

8. Fairness
It’s important to treat all people the same and give everyone a fair chance. As your property management department continues to grow, you will have new team members join and they’ll need time to learn and settle in.

From time to time they’ll make mistakes and it’s important you are fair; use this time to educate and delegate, and don’t forget: we’re all human and must start somewhere.

9. Kindness
Kindness is an extremely powerful tool when used effectively and many of the great BDMs I have met along the way have mastered this art.

The role of a BDM is a complicated, rewarding, emotional and wild journey. You will continue to trial and test new ideas, win and miss business and finally ride the massive highs and lows of this roller coaster experience.

 

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Tara Bradbury

Tara Bradbury is the Director of the BDM Academy sharing her business development ideas and strategies with property management BDM’s and Principals. For more information visit bdmacademy.com.au.