The Business Development Code of Ethics

What is Business Development?

The business development Code of Ethics was published January 2023
...100 years after the first business developer was hired.

When I wrote the Business Development Body of Knowledge, I found it odd that no BD Code of Ethics existed.

So, I created a Code of Ethics modeled after the code of other professions.

Here's why it's important to have a business development Code of Ethics.

Brand Trust is diminished or destroyed by unethical behavior.

Brand Trust increases:

- Employee engagement
- Customer experience
- Enthusiastic early adopters
- Corporate partners
- Community
...all of these stakeholders create Corporate growth.

So, the burden of ethical behavior rests not only upon the corporation but all business development ecosystem stakeholders, including the corporation, customers, and the community.

Here is the Business Development Professional Code of Ethics:

1. Section One: Preamble

This Code helps create brand trust and enables business growth. These guiding principles are the foundation for the conduct of GBDA members. Therefore, all GBDA members will abide by this Code.

2. Section Two: Guiding Principles

- Accountability:
Members accept responsibility for their own conduct and hold each other accountable.

- Compliance with Laws:
Members follow all international and local laws, regulations, and ethical customer requests enforceable under law.

- Customer Advocacy:
Members are customer champions growing corporations by advocating for customers throughout the customer journey with Purpose, Empathy, and Truth.

3. Section Three: Professionalism:
Members continually educate themselves on all aspects of the business development profession and apply this knowledge to the best of their ability in service to their corporation, customers, and community.

4. Section Four: Enforcement
Members must report any suspected Code violations to an official of GBDA national headquarters. Violations of the Code are subject to disciplinary action including, revocation of membership and certification. Members shall not retaliate against anyone who raises a valid concern under this Code.

What did I miss?

Tony Gray, BDP

P.S. learn more in the “Business Development Body of Knowledge”
Get your copy on Amazon today!

Boost your BD career with the Business Development Professional (BDP) certification from the Global Business Development Association (GBDA).

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