Business Development Representative (OH, MN, MI)

As a Business Development Representative at Parallel, you will play a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating new business opportunities within school districts and related organizations. Your primary responsibilities will include engaging with prospective clients through various outreach methods like email, phone, and social media, while effectively communicating Parallel's unique value proposition. Additionally, you'll maintain detailed records of all outreach activities using tools like HubSpot or Salesforce to help our team stay organized and informed.

To be considered for the Business Development Representative position at Parallel, candidates should ideally have 1-2 years of relevant experience in business development or 4-5 years in the classroom. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required, along with a strong background in sales or account management. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, a knack for making cold calls, and a passion for learning and thriving in a fast-paced environment are essential.

The work culture at Parallel is dynamic, inclusive, and supportive, making it an exciting place for a Business Development Representative to grow. We pride ourselves on being a female-led organization focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). You'll find a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to tackle challenges creatively and contribute to impactful solutions that matter to our mission.

Success as a Business Development Representative at Parallel hinges on several key skills, including strong communication, both verbal and written, as well as exceptional problem-solving abilities. An empathetic approach to interactions is crucial to connect genuinely with potential clients. Additionally, the ability to adapt and strategize during cold calls, coupled with attention to detail in documentation, creates an advantageous edge for candidates.

At Parallel, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering career development. As a Business Development Representative, you will have unparalleled opportunities for growth within the company. As you demonstrate your abilities and exceed targets, you’ll be positioned for advancement in roles across sales, management, and beyond. Our fast-growing startup environment will allow you to explore various paths and take your career to new heights!

When identifying new business opportunities as a Business Development Representative, I begin by researching key customer profiles and current trends in the education sector. I utilize tools like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and gain insights from industry publications to inform my conversations. This proactive approach allows me to effectively target schools and organizations that could benefit from Parallel's offerings.

Cold calling has been an integral part of my business development experience. I prepare thoroughly by understanding the prospect's needs and concerns beforehand. When faced with objections, I listen actively to their concerns and provide insightful responses that address their hesitations, reinforcing the unique value that Parallel can offer them.

Building rapport starts with creating a personal connection during conversations. I prioritize genuine interactions by showing empathy, asking open-ended questions, and actively listening to the prospect's needs. This helps establish trust and makes it easier for clients to engage in a productive dialogue about how Parallel can support their goals.

To effectively communicate Parallel's value proposition, I would highlight the unique benefits of our services, specifically how they address the challenges faced by educational institutions. For example, I would emphasize our commitment to personalized care and support for students, which can lead to improved educational outcomes and enhanced school environments.

Team collaboration is essential for success in a Business Development Representative role. I believe in sharing insights, strategies, and successful outreach methods with my teammates to foster group learning. Collaborating with colleagues allows us to tackle challenges collectively and enhance our overall effectiveness in reaching our targets.

Working in a mission-driven organization like Parallel motivates me because it aligns with my values and passion for making a positive impact in education. Knowing that my work contributes to improving the lives of students and supporting schools keeps me energized and committed to achieving our goals.

I would diligently record all my outreach efforts in our CRM software, whether it’s HubSpot or Salesforce, by logging details of each interaction, including dates, notes, and follow-up actions. By maintaining accurate records, I ensure that I keep organized, facilitate smooth communication with team members, and track my progress toward achieving my targets.

To stay updated on trends in the education sector, I follow relevant publications, join professional networks on platforms like LinkedIn, and participate in webinars and conferences. This continuous learning ensures that I can provide valuable insights to prospective clients and engage them in meaningful conversations about their needs.

One of my greatest achievements was successfully closing a significant deal with a school district that had initially shown little interest. Through perseverance, personalized outreach, and a tailored presentation of our services, I was able to turn their hesitations into excitement about collaborating with us. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of persistence and understanding client needs.

Effective time management is crucial for a Business Development Representative. I prioritize my tasks by setting clear goals and utilizing tools like to-do lists and calendar reminders. By segmenting my day into focused blocks for outreach, follow-ups, and research, I ensure that I maintain productivity while adapting my schedule based on pressing priorities and deadlines.