The Biz Dev 100: Chris Cook, head of business development, Mirum

Name: Chris Cook

Job Title: head of business development

Agency: Mirum

What were your highlights of last year?

My highlight for 2017 was launching Mirum Opus, our purpose-led innovation conference. The London team conceived the idea and organised the event in just two months. 300 attendees and several new clients later we had a new franchise that we exported to the US with a second event taking place in San Diego in December. Opus generated considerable new business revenue but more importantly it also helped us to define the kind of clients that we want to work with. Ambitious clients who want to make a positive difference in the world. An incredible team effort.

What has been your most memorable win - and why?

An energy company that we won after our first Mirum Opus conference. I can't name them as it's still confidential but they liked what they saw at the conference and challenged us to think boldly about the sector and how it could be improved. We did - they loved it - the rest is...work in progress!

How would you describe your approach to business development?

Listen first. Then assemble the dream team.

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

It's becoming a cliche but don't worry too much about making everything perfect. Just do it, road-test it, learn from how it performs and improve it. Better now, perfect later!

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

Listen more. Prioritise properly.

What is your new business soundtrack?

Grow the Roses of Success from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

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.