Why most recruiters misunderstand “Strategic BD”
A debate on WhatsApp made something painfully clear to me: most recruiters still confuse strategic BD with “tactical BD but louder.” And that misunderstanding is exactly why so many agencies stay stuck chasing vacancies instead of attracting high‑value clients.
If you’re an owner, you already know tactical BD has a ceiling. It’s reactive, unpredictable, and completely dependent on market conditions. Strategic BD is what actually changes the shape of your business.
I’ve broken down the difference in this post and answered the big question owners keep asking:
“Do I still need tactical BD if I go strategic?”
If you’re serious about shifting your business away from “vacancy chasing” and toward predictable, high‑margin growth, this approach will help you get there.
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About this blog
Mike Ames
Author
During 36 years in business, I’ve learnt a lot about growing businesses. In these short video blogs, I share what I’ve learned on BD, client care, staff attraction, marketing, leadership and much more.
