After 25 years of developing new business in the areas of marketing, healthcare, media and finance, I have certainly learned what not to do when growing a business. By process of elimination, here are 9 tips to improve your success in your own business development efforts. Good luck and happy hunting.

1. By 2018, 80% of all purchase decisions will be made before ever being in contact with your organization. Plan accordingly. Update your web site and social channels, and then create valuable content so you can be found. The life of your business depends on it.

2. Cold calling is dead. It is next to impossible to get through to someone who has never heard of you, not to mention that you have no idea if they even need your product or service. Use networking, social media, blogs, etc. to expand your reach, so that you can start the process with a warm lead.