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.