I'm Scott Pollack — entrepreneur, author, and teacher. I've spent two decades building partnerships at companies like American Express, WeWork, and my own ventures. This is where I write about the craft.
A business-minded lawyer can be a BD person's most-trusted colleague — someone who spots red flags, provides a sounding board, and does the yeoman's work of being ‘bad cop’ during a sensitive negotiation. But you need to appreciate the differences between the roles.
Read essay →A professional carpenter brings his own tools to the job. The tools of Business Development are relationships — and maintaining them is what assures they last beyond any single job.
Every medium of communication has its implicit level of intimacy. Getting to text takes a comfort level that few professional relationships rarely reach.
The story of how SinglePlatform almost failed — and how listening to what partners actually needed saved a $100 million exit.
Many of the jobs of tomorrow don’t exist today. New and emerging careers lack the support structures that traditional careers have.
I've spent 19 years in business development and partnerships at companies like American Express, WeWork, and SumAll. Along the way I founded Firneo, a learning community for the next generation of BD and partnerships leaders, and wrote a best-selling book on the craft.
Today I teach workshops, advise companies, and write about how real deals get done.
More about meBusiness Development is not just a sexy job title — it's a growth tool for companies. This book offers a proven framework for pursuing BD opportunities, distilling 15+ years of lessons from companies like American Express and WeWork into a practical guide.
Available now on Amazon.
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