What should be the starting point for developing a business development process?

The starting point for developing a business development process should focus on clear definitions of roles and responsibilities for each phase. This foundation ensures that everyone involved in the business development process understands their specific tasks and how they contribute to the overall goal. By specifying roles and responsibilities, you create accountability and facilitate efficient collaboration among team members. This clarity is vital for streamlining processes, preventing overlap or gaps in responsibilities, and promoting a structured approach to business development.

Establishing well-defined roles also helps in training new team members and optimizing performance, as everyone knows what is expected of them. Additionally, strong role definition supports better communication and integration across various functions, enhancing the effectiveness of the business development process.

While other options could contribute to a successful business development framework, starting with clear definitions of roles and responsibilities sets the stage for aligning all subsequent efforts, including managing inputs, outputs, and customer interactions effectively throughout the business development lifecycle.