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The BD100 Biz Dev 100 Marketing

The Biz Dev 100: Oliver Bell, new business director, Jellyfish

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By The Drum, Editorial

November 19, 2018 | 4 min read

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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.

oliver bell jellyfish

Oliver Bell: Jellyfish

Below is Oliver Bell, one of those at the top of their field who work in the UK biz dev sector.

Name: Oliver Bell

Job Title: new business director

Agency: Jellyfish

What were your highlights of last year?

Helping us to win a highly complex data driven global account for an established SaaS business. This continued to raise awareness of our consultancy services, as well as showcase our depth of skills across GMP (Google Marketing Platform).

As a senior member of the Jellyfish team, I am hugely proud that we’re considered one of the fastest growing independent agencies in our sector and to be an integral part in that growth.

What has been your most memorable win - and why?

That was my first ever win for Jellyfish. It was a years contract for Reflex Nutrition and I will never forget the feeling it gave me. This was in 2012 and since then I have witnessed the transformation not only in the business development team but across Jellyfish as a whole. But one thing that remains the same is that buzz of a new win. It’s addictive…!

How would you describe your approach to business development?

We pride ourselves on collaborating closely with our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible solutions, support and outcomes. For example, in the early stages of working with a new client, our strategy team immerse themselves in the brand and are involved from brief to pitch; this gives continuity, an appreciation for the client’s challenges and most importantly, produces a solution centred around their specific goals and expectations.

The pitch process is always evolving and at Jellyfish we continually adapt and refine our approach to continually improve what we do for our existing and prospective clients. Business Development is a team sport: we’re all here to work hard, support each other, develop and grow in this fast-moving industry!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Lots of people watch Bruce Lee movies… doesn’t mean they can do karate!

What would be your number one tip to anyone starting in business development?

Identify areas of your knowledge that have gaps, then surround yourself with people that can help you grow your knowledge in those spaces. Read, listen, absorb, find a mentor and never be too proud to take advice.

What is your new business soundtrack?

Van Halen - Jump

Brands looking to appoint a new agency should look to The Drum Recommends for help. The Drum Recommends offers reviews of agency partners by their own clients to offer insights to the rest of the industry when hiring.

The BD100 Biz Dev 100 Marketing

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Jellyfish

Jellyfish is a marketing performance company for the platform world, where success demands a creative, multi-platform mindset. We help brands thrive, by navigating,...

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