Quick Business Development actions to take when you are busy

For professionals busy with client work, business development (BD) can quickly slip to the bottom of their list. But stepping away from it entirely – even briefly – carries longer term risks. New work and relationship-building opportunities drift, competitors can step in unnoticed, and clients may assume you’ve lost interest.

There’s good news though. You don’t need hours of free time to keep your BD going. A spare 10–15 minutes here and there can be surprisingly productive. Here are some quick, focused activities to help you keep your client and contact relationships warm and BD plans progressing – even on your busiest days.

1. Spot fresh opportunities with clients

Your existing clients are usually the easiest place to find new work – but only if you stay close to what’s going on in their world.

If you’ve had a previous conversation or worked together recently, use that as a springboard. Send a quick note to follow up or check how things are progressing. If something’s shifted in their market – a new regulation, merger activity, or business trend – a short message sharing your insight can open the door to a broader conversation.

It’s also worth staying alert to client updates you might spot on LinkedIn, in industry news, or even in company announcements. Promotions, awards, and team changes are all reasons to check in and keep the dialogue going. These small touches show you’re paying attention – and help keep you front of mind for the next project or challenge they face.

2. Nurture your internal network

Colleagues are often underused when it comes to BD. Introducing the right internal contact to a client can open up new areas of work and bring the wider value of your firm’s expertise for a more joined-up approach.

Think about a current client or contact – is there someone in another team who could add value? A quick internal conversation can clarify what they offer and help you make a useful introduction.

It doesn’t need to be complicated: explain who you’re connecting, why it matters, and when they could meet. Even five minutes spent making that introduction can create stronger, more collaborative relationships.

3. Reconnect with external contacts

Networking doesn’t have to mean a formal meeting. A short, thoughtful call can be just as effective in maintaining a connection – especially if it’s focused on your contact’s current goals or challenges.

Before reaching out, take a moment to refresh your memory. What were they working on the last time you spoke? What’s changed for them since then?

Whether it’s a new role, a strategic priority, or an issue they’re trying to avoid, anchoring the conversation in their world shows that your interest is genuine. The conversation doesn’t have to lead anywhere immediately – but it keeps the relationship active and meaningful.

4. Raise your profile and share your expertise

Staying visible doesn’t require drafting lengthy articles or presenting at major events. Consistent small actions can be more effective over time.

Instead of just liking a post on LinkedIn, leave a short comment that adds value. Share an article you’ve read and include a brief line on why it’s worth reading.

If a regulatory change or a hot topic is emerging in your sector, flag it for your team or make a note to explore it further – it could become a blog post, a client briefing, or even just a useful talking point in your next meeting.

And if you’ve been part of a successful client outcome recently, take a few minutes to outline the story. A short case study or internal summary can be repurposed in all sorts of ways.

5. Use your ‘in-between’ time wisely

Business development shouldn’t live on a separate to-do list. It has a greater chance of being actioned if it fits neatly into the rest of your day.

Turn any travel time, postponed meetings or early finishes into moments to reach out to a contact or plan your next steps.

Diarise small BD tasks each week – even just to check in with a contact or make a helpful introduction. And if you’re often on the move, use tools like the LinkedIn app or Outlook tasks to keep your BD priorities in sight.

It’s these micro-habits that help you build momentum, even when time is short.

Final thoughts

When client work is demanding, it’s tempting to put business development on pause. The most successful professionals, however, find ways to keep it going in the margins of their day.

A short message, a quick introduction, a comment online – it all adds up. And if work suddenly dips down, you won’t be starting from scratch.

Make those small windows of time count – your future client and work portfolio depends on it.

For further help

1. If you’re interested in improving your Business Development, take a look at our learning resources.

2. Get in touch to speak with an advisor and find a learning plan that works for you.

3. Check out our other blogs.