Out-of-the-Box Business Development Ideas That Actually Drive Results

At 30|90 Marketing, we believe business development is equal parts science and art. The science lies in the cadence: consistent touchpoints, strategic messaging, and smart use of tools. The art? That’s where creativity comes in—and that’s what sets great business development reps (BDRs) apart from the rest.

If your team is sticking to the basics—emails, calls, LinkedIn DMs—and wondering why your pipeline looks a little thin, it might be time to shake things up. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas we recommend (and have seen work in the wild) to help your BDRs break through the noise and start more meaningful conversations.

1. Start with a Solid Foundation: 28-Day Cadence

Before you get creative, build the framework. We recommend a basic 28-day outbound cadence that includes:

• Personalized emails (at least one per week)

• Cold calls (with strategic timing—try early morning or late afternoon)

• LinkedIn messages (thoughtful, not spammy)

The consistency alone will put you ahead of 90% of BDRs. But here’s where it gets interesting...

2. Double Down: Email Immediately After Calling

If a prospect doesn’t pick up the phone (and most won’t), don’t just move on. Immediately send a follow-up email. Mention the call, reiterate your value prop, and keep it short. This small tactic increases reply rates and shows you're persistent—but respectful.

3. Content That Converts: Share Case Studies and Quotes

Don’t just tell—show. Case studies, short testimonials from happy customers, and relevant third-party articles go a long way in building credibility. Bonus: Use this in step two. “Just left you a voicemail—thought this quick case study might be relevant…”

4. Five-Minute Research Rule

We get it—BDRs are strapped for time. But spending just five minutes researching a prospect can help you craft an opener that’s 10x more likely to earn a response. Look for shared connections, recent company news, or industry pain points. Personalization isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a differentiator.

5. Handwritten Letters: Yes, Really

It’s old-school, but that’s the point. Handwritten notes stand out in a sea of digital noise. Mention something specific about their business or comment on a recent event. Keep it professional, and include your contact info and a business card.

6. Go Visual: Personalized Video Outreach

A 45-second video introducing yourself, explaining why you’re reaching out, and referencing something personal to their company? Gold. Tools like Vidyard or Loom make it easy. For the adventurous (and ethical): experiment with AI-generated “deepfake” video using a personalized script—but be transparent about it. It can be a fun, memorable way to grab attention—as long as it’s clear it’s meant playfully.

7. Send Something They’ll Remember

You’re asking for time—give something back. Try video mailers, branded gift boxes, or even personalized swag. People open packages. If the budget’s tight, team up with marketing to design creative, lightweight kits that deliver a memorable unboxing experience.

8. Gift Cards: Incentivize Discovery Calls

It’s a bold move, but offering a small gift card (e.g., $25 to Amazon, Starbucks, or UberEats) in exchange for a 15-minute discovery call can boost meeting rates—especially in high-volume outbound. Just make sure it’s ethical and disclosed upfront.

Final Thoughts: Combine Creativity with Consistency

The best business development reps don’t just grind—they create. At 30|90, we coach our clients to build reliable systems and inject creativity at every step. Whether it’s a personalized video or a handwritten note, the goal is simple: be memorable, be human, and bring value before the first sale ever happens.

Want help building an outbound engine that converts? Let’s talk.