SO WHAT THE HECK IS A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER?

Sales, my friend. Sales.

Business Development Officers are individuals who can make friends with potted plants. They have an inquisitive nature about the product or service that they're being asked to promote - and then go about becoming an expert and an Evangelist to anyone who might be remotely interested. They're not afraid to put that hand out there and introduce themselves. They develop relationships. They foster trust. And they follow up with their customers to make sure that we're meeting 110% of their needs.

Business Development Officers are all about developing, building and maintaining business connections. They're ruthless about making sure that the companies for whom they work deliver on the promises made to their customers. They hold the people who get the work done accountable and always insist that we deliver the optimal customer experience in everything we do.

In short, they're the vital link between our employees and our customers.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE?

This role requires the right personality and the right experience. Both are absolutely critical to being successful in this role.

In terms of personality, we need people who are driven to produce results. The laid back "inside sales" consultant who waits for the business to come to him or her - won't last long in this role. Developing relationships and building rapport with our customers (and with potential customers) is absolutely critical to be successful in the long term for this role. You have to recognize that those who wait for the business to come to them will ultimately be watching the business pass them by. You have to work like your hair is on fire because the Business Development Officer role doesn't reward those who are dilatory. And finally - you need to know juuuuuuust how far to bend those rules (without breaking them) so that you can get the job done.

Obviously - if you have previous experience in the title industry and helping real estate agents, lenders, buyers and sellers move properties from "for sale" to "sold