SBDP Elects Renowned Trainer, Speaker and Author Jill Konrath to its Board

AUSTIN, TEXAS – January 5, 2009 - The Society for Business Development Professionals (SBDP), the world's premier professional association of large-account sales and business development professionals (BDPs), announced today the addition of B2B thought-leader, sales strategist and best-selling author Jill Konrath to its 2008-2009 Board of Trustees. 

Ms. Konrath is a renowned speaker and advisor on the subject of complex selling and has counseled such venerable institutions as IBM, 3M, GE, General Mills, Medtronic, UnitedHealthcare, Bombardier, and Hilton Hotels on matters of strategic selling and account management.  She is the author of Selling to Big Companies, an Amazon Top 25 sales book for 3 years running. Most recently, Fortune magazine selected it as one of eight "must read" sales books, along with classics such as Getting to Yes and How to Win Friends and Influence People. As a thought leader in the selling and marketing arena, Ms. Konrath also publishes an industry-leading newsletter and hosts a widely-read blog. In 2007, Ms. Konrath launched the Sales SheBang conference & community to empower women sellers to succeed in the complex selling arena.

"Anyone familiar with Jill’s work will understand the incredible value she brings to our organization,” said Jonathan Gilliam, Executive Director at the Society for Business Development Professionals. “Her passion about our field combined with her gifts in training and teaching bring a wealth of experience directly to our members. We are delighted to welcome her to our Board.”

"The Society provides an extraordinary opportunity for business development professionals to network with colleagues, hone their skills, and get fresh perspectives," sail Jill Konrath. "I'm excited to be a part of this rapidly growing organization. 

In 2004, Jill was selected as a FAST 50 semi-finalist by FAST Company magazine for creating a web resource for small business owners. Additionally she was selected as a "Women Changemaker of the Year" by the Business Journal of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Ms. Konrath began her selling career at Xerox, then migrated into technology sales. She started her own consultancy in 1987 with a focus on helping sales organizations jumpstart the sales of their new product, services and solutions. Since that time she has written hundreds of articles on sales strategies and is frequently quoted in top business media. She's appeared in Inc., Crains, Entrepreneur, New York Times, Business Journal, Selling Power, Sales & Marketing Management as well as countless online publications and radio shows.

In her role as an SBDP Trustee, Ms. Konrath along with the rest of the Board will be responsible for helping to set membership standards that promote professionalism and ensure the successful future of the organization as a whole. The Board of Trustees has authority over the admission of members and examination standards. The Board establishes continuing professional education requirements, and is also responsible for modifying and enforcing the SBDP Code of Professional Ethics and all other matters necessary to maintain the high standards of the SBDP. 

Jill's excellent Blog, Selling To Big Companies, can be found here.