364. 21 Business Development Ideas for 2021

Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional

As independent consultants, we often look for ways on how to grow our business. In today’s episode, you’ll find a round up of 21 business development ideas that can help build your business this year. You’ll also find all the relevant links to Unleashed episodes where we explore these items in more detail.

1. Create a portfolio of sanitized work (Episode 121)
2. Create a project list (Episode 140)
3. Update your LinkedIn profile (Episode 211)
4. Set up a CRM system (Episode 172)
5. Make outbound calls (Episode 170)
6. Email a past client (“Would love to hear about your plans for the year”)
7. Reach out to clients where you LOST a proposal, just to check in
8. Update your resume (Episode 253)
9. Ditch the yahoo, Gmail, AOL and get a professional email address
10. Start a podcast and invite potential clients as guests (Episode 10)
11. Comment on LinkedIn posts by potential clients
12. Post 3-5 times per week on LinkedIn on the topic you want to be known for (Episode 235)
13. Organize a virtual event
14. Create, or update, your website (Episode 59)
15. Create a course teaching some skill that a potential client might be looking for* (“How to organize an Integration Management Office”)
16. Update your email signature to include your phone number (on the computer AND phone)
17. Create – or refine – your Fishing Line (Episode 1)
18. Ask past clients for feedback
19. Build relationships with other independent consultants serving your niche
20. Read The Irresistible Consultant’s Guide to Winning Clients by David A. Fields
21. Contact me at and sign up for weekly podcasts: [e-mail]