Business Development Representative Western/Midwestern United States
Nelnet · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $60,000 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Build and maintain customer relationships.
- Drive sales through consultative approach.
- Generate new leads and close deals.
- Utilize Salesforce CRM for management.
- Achieve sales goals through planning.
About the role
About Nelnet Business Services
Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations. We serve over 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, and millions of individuals globally. Our culture is built on service, fostering long-lasting partnerships, and driving innovation to empower our customer communities.
As a Nelnet company, you are part of a community invested in your growth and united by our mission to create opportunities. We offer a comprehensive benefits package beyond our standard offerings.
Job Summary
The Business Development Representative (BDR) is responsible for retaining and re-establishing relationships with existing customers, as well as acquiring new customers. This role utilizes a consultative sales and relationship-building approach with excellent customer service. The position involves minimal travel, with most communication conducted via phone, email, and online meetings. The BDR typically focuses on a single market, selling peripheral and value-added products, and generating leads for flagship products, particularly for smaller schools.
Job Responsibilities
- Close deals in a competitive, consultative selling environment.
- Upsell existing customers by educating them on additional products and services.
- Cold call and generate qualified sales leads.
- Create proposals for prospects and existing customers.
- Provide expertise and advice on product and service offerings.
- Utilize Salesforce CRM for contact, account, lead, and opportunity management, including updating records and generating reports.
- Forecast sales and prepare sales plans to achieve goals.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in business, communications, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 1-3 years of experience in building/maintaining business relationships via phone.
- Customer service and call center experience are a plus.
- Proven track record of high performance and goal achievement.
- Experience presenting via web and in-person to various group sizes.
- Experience in education or payment industry sales, particularly with technology and services, is a plus.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Willingness to engage in direct sales and customer calling.
- Articulate with the ability to quickly establish rapport and maintain long-term customer relationships.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with a high energy level and positive attitude.
- Team-oriented.
- Comfort initiating business conversations with decision-makers.
- Ability to identify and develop strategies to overcome sales obstacles.
- Proven ability to build a strong pipeline, close new business, and expand customer relationships.
- Self-driven with excellent time management and organizational skills; ability to take direction.
- Strong computer skills including sales management/data management software, presentation software, web hosting applications, and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong follow-up skills and accuracy.
Key Skills/Competency
- Business Development
- Sales
- Relationship Building
- Consultative Selling
- Lead Generation
- Customer Service
- Salesforce CRM
- Sales Planning
- Communication Skills
- Negotiation
Skills & topics
- Business Development Representative
- Sales
- Relationship Management
- Lead Generation
- Consultative Selling
- Customer Acquisition
- Upselling
- CRM
- Salesforce
- B2B Sales
- Education Technology
- Payment Solutions
- Communication Skills
- Goal Achievement
- Sales Planning
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in relationship building, sales, and CRM software like Salesforce, aligning with the Business Development Representative role at Nelnet.
- Showcase your sales skills: Emphasize your track record in closing deals, upselling, and cold calling in your application and during interviews.
- Demonstrate consultative approach: Be prepared to discuss how you provide expertise and advice to customers, fostering long-term partnerships.
- Prepare for interview questions: Practice answering behavioral questions about your sales strategies, problem-solving abilities, and customer engagement techniques for the Business Development Representative position.
- Research Nelnet's mission: Understand Nelnet's commitment to education and community to articulate how your values align with theirs during the interview process.
Technical preparation
Master Salesforce CRM functionalities.,Practice product demonstrations online.,Develop proposal creation skills.,Refine cold calling techniques.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging sales obstacle.,How do you build long-term relationships?,How do you prioritize sales tasks?,Share a time you exceeded sales goals.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical career path for a Business Development Representative at Nelnet?
- The Business Development Representative role at Nelnet provides a solid foundation in sales and relationship management. Typically, successful BDRs can advance into more senior sales roles, account management, or leadership positions within the sales department, leveraging their proven track record and understanding of Nelnet's products and services.
- What kind of training and support can I expect as a Business Development Representative at Nelnet?
- Nelnet offers comprehensive training for its Business Development Representatives, focusing on product knowledge, consultative selling techniques, and CRM system utilization. You'll receive ongoing support from sales managers and team members to help you achieve your sales goals and develop your career.
- How does Nelnet support employee growth and development for a Business Development Representative?
- Nelnet is committed to employee development, offering opportunities such as tuition reimbursement and performance-based incentives. For a Business Development Representative, this can translate into advanced sales training, mentorship programs, and clear pathways for career progression within the company.
- What are the key performance indicators for a Business Development Representative at Nelnet?
- Key performance indicators for a Business Development Representative at Nelnet typically include metrics such as deals closed, up-sell targets achieved, qualified sales leads generated, and customer retention rates. Accurate use of the Salesforce CRM for record-keeping and reporting is also crucial.
- Can I work remotely as a Business Development Representative at Nelnet?
- The Business Development Representative role at Nelnet involves minimal travel and primarily uses phone, email, and online meetings. While the job description indicates a focus on a single market and doesn't explicitly state remote work, the nature of the communication methods suggests flexibility, and specific arrangements may be discussed during the interview process.
- What is the commission structure for the Business Development Representative role at Nelnet?
- The Business Development Representative role at Nelnet includes a base salary range of $50,000-$60,000, plus commission. The specifics of the commission structure, including performance targets and payout details, are typically discussed during the interview process.
- What industry experience is most valuable for a Business Development Representative applying to Nelnet?
- While not strictly required, experience in the education or payment industry sales, particularly with technology and service sales, is highly valued. Previous success in building business relationships via telephone and in customer service or call center environments is also beneficial for this role at Nelnet.