What do Business Development Assistants do?

The role of a Business Development Assistant in the music industry is to support in the growth and development of the company, orchestra or other music ensemble, record company or community music organisation. Their job may be to support growing sales, raising funding and sponsorship or reaching more or different types of audience and clients. The role is very varied and depends on the nature of the business and what their specific needs are. Business Development Assistant may help with gathering information and research about the current postition of the company. For example, what is the demographic profile of the current audience for an orchestra and are they missing out on reaching particular groups, such as young people. They may help with conducting surveys and collecting feedback, entering the data into the databases and statistical analysis software and producing reports. They may also be involved in producing, or helping to produce and distribute promotional and marketing materials, or in organising events and marketing and PR campaigns.

A Business Development Assistant specialising in the music business will need a good understanding of music and the music industry, and of current and emerging trends. They will need good numerical and data entry skills and will sometimes also be expected to have statistical and general analysis skills, although as an assistant training will often be provided. Sometimes a Business Development Assistant is employed to fulfil a specific role, such as encouraging a bigger audience or more sales from a specific harder to reach sector of the community, or to maximise the audience or sales via the internet. In these cases they may be required to have some experience in these areas, although often good all round skills are acceptable. Good administrative and organisational skills are important in this role. There are no specific professional requirements, but there are a number of courses available at all levels in research and anaysis skills, and in marketing.

The job title Business Development Assistant is sometimes used synonymously with Marketing Assistant, and many of the tasks of the job are the same. Many companies and organisations will not distinguish between the two, but Business Development Assistant can sometimes be a broader and more varied role. A susscessful Business Development Assistant can progress to more senior Business Development and Marketing roles, and may more in to general Senior Management or Chief Executive roles, or set up their own businesses.