Business Development Guild Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Business Development Guild? What is its purpose?
The Business Development Guild has a simple yet powerful mission: To Be The Premier Source of Education, Coaching and Support for the Business Development Profession. In addition to advancing the profession, the BD Guild seeks to enhance BD and operational team’s effectiveness in their efforts, build that bridge between the two in order to achieve personal and team objectives.
Through hosting unique and timely educational programs, producing a certification curriculum, and fostering high level networking opportunities, the Association offers Business Development and Operational Professionals in the Commercial Built Environment the multiple avenues for professional development.
Is this a group of “just” Business Development people?
Successful business development requires BD and operations to work together as a team.
The membership consists of Owners, Managers and Operations professionals in addition to BD professionals. In fact, it is our goal to have an even 50-50 membership split between BD and Operations.
What are the benefits of membership in the BD Guild?
The benefits to membership are many.
We know the most lucrative outcomes require a team effort! The BD Guild offers a foundation where business development, operations, management, and administrative professionals can come together in unison. We believe that when we are aligned, amazing things can happen; better communication, long term client satisfaction, and increased revenue for everyone. In fact, over 40% of our memberships are operational leaders and business owners.
- Bi-Monthly Meetings in Each Market
- Annual Symposiums in Each Market
- Members Only Newsletter, Forum & Meetings
- Online Courses, Accreditation and Certification
- A Vital Professional Community Across Geographies
Do I have to join to attend meetings or enroll in the Certificate Program?
Anyone can attend member meetings or enroll in the Certificate Program, however members receive a significant discount.
What is a “One Plus One” Membership Model?
The goal is to bring BD and Operations together. For $299 annual fee, one has a dedicated full-time membership (i.e. BD professional). The “Plus One” is a floating membership geared toward the operations team where different staff may use the Plus One membership depending on the interest (topic, speakers, timing etc.). The Plus One offers flexibility to an organization while also fostering collaboration and teamwork. We are also offering a Young Professional rate of $169 for those under 35.
How often are your meetings?
Our general meetings are held every other month in each major market. Virtual meeting access is therefore monthly. Members Only meetings are held twice a year in each market. The Certified Developer Curriculum starts June and runs through fall.
Is membership for a calendar year or from the date I join?
Membership is from the date one joins and runs for the 12 months after the date when joined.
My company paid for an individual membership, but that person left the company. Is the membership transferable?
Yes, a membership is transferable in that instance, otherwise membership remains with the individual.
Professional Business Developer (PBD) Program
Who provides the certification upon completion?
The Business Development Guild issues the Certificate.
Is this a 6-month program for completion, and then it starts over again?
Yes, the classes will be repeated for new, incoming attendees. If one is not able to make a class in the first run, he/she can take it the following calendar year in order to receive the Certification.
Is this mainly focused around the construction industry, or business development in general as a profession?
Our initiation was in the Built Environment with initial focus from the AEC Community, so a couple classes are very specific from that perspective. However, the course has been designed to offer a deep dive into the fundamentals that will be transferable to other industries.
Are there continuing education credits required to keep my certification?
Yes, there will be continuing education credit required. They can be earned through BD Guild and other association meetings. The minimum required to maintain accreditation is six hours per year after award of the certificate.
Do I have to be a member of the BD Guild to attend the classes and receive my PBD?
No, you do not need to be a member. However, the non-member price includes a membership to the Business Development Guild if one chooses to accept it.
May I sign up after the first classes and finish my PBD the following term?
Yes, one can sign up for the PBD program and start at any point.