In the latest episode of SteerBridge Insights, we explore how technology is reshaping the world of business development with none other than Dr. Lisa Sedlock, Managing Director of Growth and Business Development at SteerBridge. Hosted by Chris Mayfield, this episode dives into the power of technology integration, business strategy, and the tools that are changing the game for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Navigating the Changing Business Landscape
Dr. Lisa Sedlock shares her unique journey from higher education to leading business development efforts at SteerBridge. Having worked in strategic project management and technology integration for over 20 years, her experience has proven invaluable as she navigates the complex world of government contracting and business growth.
Lisa emphasizes that business development in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape is no longer about simply bidding on every available opportunity. Success now hinges on being technologically proficient, using data-driven strategies, and leveraging automation to identify and pursue the right opportunities. This approach helps companies streamline processes, respond faster to market demands, and stay ahead of the competition.
Transform, Don’t Disrupt: Adapting to Rapid Technological Change
A key takeaway from the conversation is Lisa’s perspective on the role of technology in transforming rather than disrupting business models. She highlights that innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data are no longer just buzzwords—they are essential tools for driving business efficiency and staying relevant.
At SteerBridge, these technologies are helping to redefine how the company manages proposals and business processes. The integration of AI into the company’s internal systems has accelerated decision-making and streamlined the evaluation of past performance for potential bids. These advancements have allowed SteerBridge to focus on strategic opportunities that align with their core capabilities, ensuring smarter, more intentional growth.
Leveraging AI for Business Development
The conversation also sheds light on the crucial role AI is playing in business development today. Lisa explains how AI tools are increasingly being used to manage proposals, improve market intelligence, and even predict which opportunities are most likely to succeed. Companies that adopt these tools are not only improving their efficiency but are also gaining a competitive edge.
However, Lisa cautions that AI is only as effective as the data it’s given. Businesses need to ensure they are feeding accurate, well-organized information into these systems. SteerBridge, for example, has revamped its information management processes to ensure their AI-powered tools can deliver the best possible results. This strategic approach has positioned SteerBridge as a leader in combining AI with business development.
The Future of Business Development
Looking ahead, Dr. Sedlock predicts that AI-driven tools will soon become the industry standard for business development, leading to more targeted bidding and higher win rates. As more companies adopt AI, the competitive landscape will change, making it even more important to have a solid strategy for leveraging these technologies.
Interestingly, Lisa also suggests that the future may see a shift from written proposals to oral presentations. As AI continues to level the playing field, companies will need to demonstrate their capabilities in more interactive and dynamic ways. SteerBridge is already preparing for this shift by developing documentation and knowledge-sharing systems that will support real-time demonstrations of their expertise.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
Leverage Technology: Utilize AI, automation, and data-driven tools to streamline business processes, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making.
Be Strategic: Rather than bidding on every opportunity, adopt a targeted approach that aligns with your core strengths and market needs.
Adapt to Change: Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Stay ahead by continuously evolving your business strategies to meet new challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Collaboration is Key: Build strong partnerships, both internally and externally, to maximize your resources and foster innovation.
Join us in this insightful episode of SteerBridge Insights as Dr. Lisa Sedlock breaks down how technology is transforming business development and how companies can leverage these tools to stay competitive. Watch the full episode to learn more about the strategies driving SteerBridge’s success and how you can apply them to your own business.
October 17, 2024
Comments