New thinking for new business development

It’s time to move away from out-dated new business development techniques; there are more effective ways of approaching new business that save time and money and ultimately draw in the business that you need to grow.

Join us for a half-day workshop, delivered by business development and DBA expert Jonathan Kirk, who will look at ways to transform and rejuvenate your new business effort, whilst making your approach more enjoyable, up to date, client relevant and effective.

The workshop will cover:

Why traditional new business approaches are not working.

Valuable insight into the client perspective on agency new business based on feedback from hundreds of client interviews.*

How to take a new perspective on conventional aspects of business development.

Your new business plan and how to develop a strategy that is flexible and agile enough for today’s clients.

How to re-think your toolbox – ways to grab and retain attention.

How to make business development integral to your approach not a bolt-on function.

You’ll leave with:

Knowledge of what new tactics are proven to work in new business development in design.

An understanding of how you can incorporate this into your business, refresh your techniques, stand out from the crowd and win more new business.

Insight into exactly what clients’ perceptions of design businesses new business techniques are.

The ability to leverage this knowledge to your advantage.

Tools to structure your new business plan in line with what clients are looking for.

Move on from beauty parade communication, stories of projects that are interchangeable with fifty other agencies, ‘heads against a brick wall’ telesales approaches. The design industry is increasingly crowded, to attract new clients you need to stand out from the crowd – understanding what’s new in new business development will help you to do this.

*Taken from Jonathan Kirk’s latest report, please click here to find out more.

Delegate feedback from Jonathan’s workshops:
“A beneficial and worthwhile afternoon that will impact our business development.” Owen Turner, Managing Director, United by Design

“I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of useful and valuable information, backed up by client research.” Rhona O’Leary, Communications Manager, 1HQ

“An insightful, thought provoking session that injects new energy into thinking about new business development.” Vicky Walker, Head of Marketing, Kinneir Dufort

“Fun and engaging – Jonathan did a great job of getting everyone involved and interested.” Josh Matthews, Marketing Assistant, Taxi Studio

“Compelling arguments for changing our approach to new business development.” Peter Mills, Owner/Brand Strategist, Brand Ethos

About: Jonathan Kirk

Up to the Light advises a wide range of agencies regarding all aspects of business improvement and growth. The consultancy challenges some of the ingrained assumptions that exist in our industry and offers more effective, insight-led advice.

Jonathan is unusual amongst consultants in the level of contact that he has with clients. Up to the Light is the leading provider of Client Surveys to the UK design industry and publishes the annual ‘What Clients Think’ report, supported by the DBA. This year’s report is based on 420 client interviews conducted on behalf of design agencies. The consultancy also partners with agencies to provide brand positioning and brand strategy for end clients. Jonathan is continually involved at the sharp end presenting, pitching and delivering high profile strategic work for major brands. This is of huge benefit to all his clients.

His senior roles have included New Business Director of Fitch, the global brand design group, and Business Development Director of Havas EHS, one of Europe’s largest direct response agencies. He is a member of the DBA’s Experts Register and is a frequent conference speaker and trade press contributor.

Main Content

New thinking for new business development

About: Jonathan Kirk

Bookings