Watching the recently released Matilda the Musical with my kids on Netflix got me thinking. Through all the singing, dancing and shenanigan’s there are some great truths for those practicing business development.
For those who don’t know, Roald Dahl’s Matilda is a classic children’s novel that has captured the hearts of readers for decades. More recently local Western Australian Tim Minchin adapted this wonderful story into a musical extravaganza. My kids and I absolutely loved it!
The story follows a young girl named Matilda who has a love for reading and an extraordinary intelligence. Despite her talents, she is constantly belittled and underestimated by her family and schoolteachers. As we read or watch the story, we can learn valuable truths about the world of business development. Here are three things that Matilda teaches us in her story.
Never underestimate your potential customers.
Just like Matilda’s family and schoolteachers, many business developers make the mistake of underestimating their potential customers. They assume that because someone may not have a lot of money or is not well-educated, they are not worth their time. Matilda’s story teaches us that every person, regardless of their background, has the potential to be a valuable customer. It’s important to approach every potential customer with respect and an open mind.
This plays out when business developers think that they know better than their customer. Proceeding to tell them what they need without asking questions and listening is egocentric and off putting. Each customer has their own individual issues. Your job is be curious and find out what those issues are. If you can help, great. If not, no problem.
Never stop learning and growing.
Matilda’s love for reading and her constant desire to learn is what sets her apart from her classmates. As business developers, it’s important to never stop learning and growing. The world of business is constantly changing. It’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, both inside your industry and out. By continuously learning and growing, you’ll be able to offer your customers the best possible service and cement your reputation as the go to person in your field.
Never give up on your goals.
Matilda’s determination to succeed, despite the constant obstacles she faces (looking at you Miss Trunchbull!), is an inspiration. As business developers, it’s important to set goals for yourself and never give up on them, no matter how difficult they may seem. It may take time, but with hard work and perseverance, you’ll be able to achieve your revenue goals and be successful in your career.
To know how you are tracking against your goals you must measure your progress. I write about his at length in my post on the subject here.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love it or hate it, Roald Dahl’s Matilda teaches us valuable lessons about the world of business development. By remembering to never underestimate your potential customers, never stop learning and growing, and never give up on your goals, you’ll be on your way to making an impact for your customers and your team.
Business Development Truths
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