Previously I have discussed how tailoring your approach to business development to what feels most natural and comfortable often yields the best results. Since then I’ve had couple of unconventional business development activities accompanied by my dog Luther (the Hungarian Vizsla pictured above!), which I thought I would share.
Luther has proven to be my secret weapon in building relationships and creating opportunities. As I emphasised in my previous blog, networking is one of the most valuable assets for any leader—and doing it authentically makes it even more impactful.
Story 1 – The local café. One crisp morning, I arranged to meet a former colleague at our favourite local cafe. We had been discussing potential collaborations over email, and this meeting was an opportunity to explore ideas in a more relaxed setting. Luther came along, of course, because nothing breaks the ice like a friendly, tail-wagging companion.
As we settled in, Luther chilled out as my colleague and I got straight into a productive conversation, brainstorming ways to work together. By the end of the meeting, we had a clear roadmap for a joint project—all while sipping coffee and enjoying the casual vibe that Luther helped to create.
This story underscores the importance of planning your networking—and doing it in a way that feels natural and aligns with your brand. A casual cafe meeting, paired with Luther’s charm, made the interaction both effective and enjoyable.
Story 2 – A country walk. Another time, I scheduled a countryside walk with a long-time contact who I had been meaning to reconnect with. We had a particular idea to discuss and the walk provided the perfect backdrop for an informal yet focused discussion.
Luther, as always, was the perfect bridge between business and pleasure. He kept mood light, and his antics gave us plenty to laugh about as he played with my contact’s Labradors.
As we navigated the trails, we delved into challenges and opportunities, eventually identifying a potential collaboration that aligned with both our goals. The fresh air, relaxed pace, and Luther’s presence turned what could have been a stiff meeting into a genuinely enjoyable and productive experience.
It’s clear that business development doesn’t have to follow a rigid formula; the key is to plan, prioritise, and approach it in a way that reflects your personality. For me, that can mean involving my dog and embracing environments where both of us thrive. The best strategies are the ones that align with who you are.