B4’s Business Development Ecosystem trebles in size in a year
June’s BDM Ecosystem marked an amazing trebling in size of our increasingly popular Business Development Ecosystem which has been driven from 7 B4 Members around one snooker table to 24 around 3 tables. It’s all thanks to the wonderful Caroline OConnor of Fourth Born who has expertly shared her knowledge and passion for all things business development with the B4 community, many of whom have been around Caroline’s table from that very first ecosystem back in March 2023.
We asked Caroline what the focus was for June’s session. “The session aimed to bring together business owners and BDM’s and enable them to feel they are not alone in a challenging market and to create a space to share new tactics, gain clarity and to see the positives of how as a community we can support each other.
“The four discussion topics were fully embraced and certainly hit the mark for many following a collective sense that lead times are extremely long and converting business is more challenging than ever right now. We discussed a range of tactics being used for cold outreach and some fresh thinking around the ever-growing avenues to approach and interact with prospects and clients. The key to success was brand consistency and the focus of the messaging being more about your story than purely tactical.
“Accountability and analysing time and data to know the reality versus the assumption was a core takeaway for many along with a proactive commitment to celebrate and support fellow businesses and professionals.”
Nikki Gracey of Sobell House summed up the event perfectly. “So pleased that my day started at your BDM Ecosystem at B4 HQ. An open and honest discussion around the room, brilliantly led by you with a sprinkle of wisdom on top! A therapy session, strategy meeting and boot camp rolled into one! Thank you so much, your energy astounds me Caroline!”
See more fantastic comments from B4 members below.
If you would like to join B4 for a future BDM Ecosystem or one of over sixty events per year, please contact richard@b4-business.com to find out more.
Member Quotes
“Excellent to stay up to date with modern BDM thinking.” Graham Caleb, Delti
“B4 events are always well planned with key topics covered. There is a good balance between learning new things from people and sharing my own experiences. I find the atmosphere at B4 events inclusive and people genuinely want to help each other where they can. The event was a good length of 2 hours” Lucie Elliott, Beard Construction
“My first B4 event and what a first one it was! Learning all about the challenges of business development throughout a variety of industries, new strategies and best methods of communication within the ecosystem.” Emma Reeder, Exec Recruitment Solutions
“Thank you to Richard Rosser and Tina Rosser for the opportunity to work with you and B4. Another constant in my business journey and getting involved in the BDM Ecosystem was a super opportunity for me. Today was amazing and I loved every minute. The openness from everyone to share their expertise was just brilliant.” Caroline O’Connor, Fourth Born
“Cracking morning! Thanks for running a lovely event that left me feeling really bring full of ideas and enthusiasm. I am overflowing with ideas and inspiration to take back to the Global CTS Recruitment office after this mornings wonderful B4 event hosted by the marketing cracker that is Caroline OConnor. Todays meeting was a gathering of Business Development Managers all sharing their stresses and successes, it was fantastic!”
Natalie Jezzard-Bedwell, Global CTS
“Thank you so much, it was a great event, very beneficial. Best roundtable I’ve been to thus far, IMO.”
Drew Kamphuis, First for Safety, Oxfordshire
“Fabulous event with really great people and some very insightful discussions.” Justin Kamphuis, First for Safety, Oxfordshire
“Yesterday I attended my third B4 Business Development Round Table hosted by Caroline OConnor. We have recently renewed our platinum membership with B4 and these events are part of the reason why. They are a great way to share ideas, talk through challenges and meet some great people. Thank you Richard Rosser for hosting us.” Emma Allinson, Kingerlee
“Thanks B4 and well done Caroline OConnor – great job as usual!” Alex Sayers, XIST2
“Thanks so much B4, Richard , Caroline , and everyone who was there, such a great event.” Tim Wraith, Homeless Oxfordshire
“A fantastic morning, so many gold nuggets to take away! Thank you so much to everyone involved.” Catherine Snell, Exec Recruitment Solutions
“Thank you to the brilliant Caroline OConnor for hosting the B4 BDM ecosystem roundtable event on Thursday morning. As always, excellent organisation from the wonderful Tina Rosser and Richard Rosser, great sharing and learnings, and lovely to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones. The BDM Ecosystem Roundtable discussion is one of my favourite events. I always walk away with at least one little nugget to go and use. There is a great buzz in the room and Caroline is excellent at leading informative discussion.” Ben Procter, Oxford Property Consulting
“Fantastic ecosystem, talking with so many great minds always leaves me with lots of inspirations and new ideas to implement into my practices.” Nick Breakspear, Royal Cars
From this author
Challenges – We faced them all!!
Traffic, sickness, client disasters and kids being sent home from school were just some of the challenges our B4 colleagues faced. BUT 15 made it and joined the BDM Ecosystem session in September.