Sample interview questions: Can you describe a time when you had to influence or persuade key stakeholders to support a business development initiative?
Sample answer:
Example 1:
As a Business Development Manager at a SaaS company, I was tasked with driving the adoption of a new enterprise software platform. Key stakeholders, including senior executives and department heads, were skeptical about the value proposition and hesitant to commit resources.
To address this challenge, I employed a multi-pronged approach:
- Thorough research and data analysis: I presented data demonstrating the potential ROI and business impact of the platform. This included quantifying the cost savings, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction.
- Tailored presentations: I tailored my presentations to each stakeholder’s specific needs and interests. For example, I highlighted the platform’s ability to optimize workflows for the operations team and its potential to enhance customer engagement for the marketing department.
- Building relationships: I established strong relationships with the key stakeholders by understanding their pain points, listening to their concerns, and addressing their objections.
- Influencer mapping: I identified and engaged influencers within the organization who could advocate for the initiative. These individuals played a crucial role in swaying the opinions of other stakeholders.
Through these efforts, I successfully persuaded the key stakeholders to support the business development initiative. The platfor… Read full answer
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