Business Development Manager
Entrepreneurship & Startups
Business Development Managers create strategic relationships that generate revenue or expand market reach. They identify potential partners and customers, negotiate deals and develop opportunities across sales, partnerships and new markets.
Salary (Nigeria)
₦3M–₦12M
Exam requirements
Career pathway
Business Administration Degree
4 years
Develop broad knowledge of management, finance, marketing, operations, and business strategy.
Marketing Degree
4 years
Build expertise in customers, market research, promotion, sales, and commercial strategy.
Economics Degree
4 years
Develop analytical knowledge of markets, business environments, and economic decision-making.
Accounting / Finance Degree
4 years
Build financial knowledge useful for evaluating deals, pricing, profitability, and business performance.
Entrepreneurship Degree
4 years
Develop skills in identifying opportunities, developing businesses, and managing growth.
Sales Certification
3-12 months
Develop practical skills in prospecting, selling, negotiation, and customer relationship management.
Digital Marketing Certification
3-12 months
Learn digital customer acquisition, content marketing, social media, analytics, and online sales.
Business Development Internship
3-12 months
Gain hands-on experience in sales, partnerships, client acquisition, and market research.
MBA / Master's in Business
1-2 years
Develop advanced expertise in strategy, leadership, finance, marketing, and business management.
Sales Executive → Business Development Executive → BDM → Business Development Director
3-8 years
Progress from sales and client-facing roles into strategic business development and leadership positions.
Common challenges
Meeting Revenue Targets
DifficultBDMs are often responsible for generating significant revenue and achieving ambitious growth targets.
How to handle: Build a strong sales pipeline, track conversion rates, qualify prospects, and maintain consistent prospecting.
Winning High-Value Clients & Partnerships
DifficultLarge clients and strategic partners often have lengthy decision-making processes and strong negotiating positions.
How to handle: Develop consultative selling, negotiation, relationship-building, and proposal-writing skills.
Highly Competitive Markets
ModerateMultiple companies may compete for the same customers, contracts, or partnerships.
How to handle: Conduct competitor research and clearly communicate your organisation's unique value proposition.
Long Sales Cycles
ModerateEnterprise deals and partnerships can take months or even years to close.
How to handle: Maintain systematic follow-ups, manage CRM records carefully, and develop multiple opportunities simultaneously.
Managing Rejection
ManageableProspects may reject proposals or choose competitors.
How to handle: Treat rejection as feedback, refine your approach, and maintain a healthy sales pipeline.
Maintaining Professional Networks
ManageableBusiness opportunities often depend on relationships built over time.
How to handle: Attend industry events, engage professionally online, follow up consistently, and provide value to your network.
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Key skills