The Biz Dev 100: Anastasia Innes, business development director worldwide, OMD
Welcome to The Biz Dev 100, powered by The BD 100, which aims to recognize and celebrate important role played in the media and marketing industry by those who source and bring in new customers and keep the fortunes of businesses on track.
Anastasia Innes: OMD
Below is Anastasia Innes, one of those at the top of their field who work in the UK biz dev sector.
Name: Anastasia Innes
Job Title: business development director, worldwide
Agency: OMD
What were your highlights of last year?
My professional highlights of last year were; OMD winning the Gunn Report for the 11th Year in a row plus winning Media Agency of the Year at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Personally, getting married was also a pretty big deal ;)
What has been your most memorable win - and why?
Years ago... my first job after university I was cold calling fashion brands to hire models for their websites. It was just as eCommerce was blowing up and all the fashion retailers were in dire need of sorting out their websites. I went to a Tradeshow, in Shoreditch, and checked out this up-and-coming brand, Superdry. I negotiated a deal to become their sole supplier of models for their site and I even booked their first international ad campaign, as they launched in Australia and USA. This was most memorable and gave me the bug for new business because I was competing with all the big model agencies out there, but through building rapport and listening to what the client needed I won the account and got to be a [small] part in the growth of a great brand.
How would you describe your approach to business development?
"Best Laid Plans" I find that whilst being organised and meticulous pays dividends, being able to flex and evolve throughout a process is essential. When you allow people the freedom to explore their ideas, this seems to be when the magic happens.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
"You can do anything" My mum.
What would be your number one tip to anyone starting in business development?
Don't underestimate yourself - or anyone else.
What is your new business soundtrack?
T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) by will.i.am
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