6 Quick Tips for Beginner BRMs
Two of the most common questions asked in the world of BRM is “Where do I begin?” and “What should I do first?”
The first few months of being a beginner
BRM or setting up a BRM function can be tricky, and it can seem a little
overwhelming to orient yourself within the vast amount of knowledge available
from BRM Institute.
The following tips and tricks can not only help
you get off the ground with a flying start, but they can serve as a constant guide
towards success in your career as a BRM.
1)
Document your notes. This may seem
obvious, but when you begin you will no doubt be inundated with information
from both the business and the business partner about what they do, how they do
it, and what they have planned for the future. Work out a clear documentation
process that works across your business function, so that everyone is on the
same page.
2)
Don't try to do everything all at once. The
label of “strategic partner” is earned, not handed over, meaning that the
process of becoming a strategic partner takes time and effort. It pays to be
patient and time your new process implementations to support your business function.
Don’t rush in putting in the high-level strategic planning meetings without
ensuring the groundwork has been done first.
3)
Ensure that you have a solid base of reliable service delivery. Again, the groundwork matters. Senior managers will not want to strategize
with you if you represent a mess of service delivery. Once you’ve established
this level of trust, you can then look to progress in maturity.
4)
Take the time to review and reflect. It’s
often all too easy to plan ahead and push for more without taking the time to
look back and assess accomplishments and challenges. When your business
function takes the time to look back, it often paves the way to a more
successful future.
5)
Balance, balance, balance. The life of a
BRM is a constant balancing act between the partner and the business. It’s
common to fall into the trap of focusing too much on the needs of one side or
the other, so it’s critical to be mindful of this and alter your behavior in
order to become a trusted strategic partner.
6)
Make time for outside organisational learning. While this is critical to success in any career, continued
education is particularly valuable for BRMs who strive to develop themselves
and their business function. Get started by reading books from BRM Institute’s Bookshelf and engaging
with other BRMs on the Online Campus,
which is probably the most essential resource for any new BRM. There you can
get answers to challenges you may be facing from peers who have already gone
through similar situations, and you could even share your own ideas on a global
scale alongside industry experts.