News you can use

Without further ado, some articles and ideas you can use this week:

1. If you work in a firm and struggle to get around to business development activity thanks to the pile of billable work on your desk, read this quote and then internalize it:

“The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. Job security is gone. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career!” Earl Nightingale

2. If you think that doing good work on time (you know, just like most of your competitors) is enough to create value, try this exercise to uncover reasons for clients to choose you.

3. Especially pertinent for the holiday season, when socializing is at its peak: 5 Steps to Building Great Business Relationships .

4. As you’re working on your business development plan for 2015, consider the interrelationship between goals, strategy, and tactics . Get them mixed up, and you’ll waste a lot of time.

Finally, are you committed to growing your book of business but not sure where to start? I’ve set aside a few consultation times for next week. Schedule a time for us to get acquainted and explore whether I might be able to help you.