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Independent Business Development Consultant Jobs

Exit Factor

Business Development Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $300K/yr

Exit Factor is searching for a high-energy Business Development Consultant who thrives on meeting ... Skilled at consultative conversations , discovery, and closing Independent, Self-Directed ...

Cardinal Health

The Business Development (BD) Consultant role (Cnslt, Sales Operations Mgmt) serves as a key ... Completes work independently with strong attention to detail and receives general guidance on new ...

Rentokil

Business Development Consultant

Naples, FL · On-site

Business Development Consultants are responsible for the development and performance of all sales activities in assigned region. They are the first point of contact with customers and are responsible ...

Rentokil

Business Development Consultant

Lutz, FL · On-site

Business Development Consultants are responsible for the development and performance of all sales activities in assigned region. They are the first point of contact with customers and are responsible ...

POS Networks

Business Development Consultant

Miami, FL · On-site

... consultants in the industry to back you up. We are seeking an individual that can manage the areas of Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. The ideal candidate *may* have experience in Hotels ...

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Independent Business Development Consultant information

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$34.5K

$60.7K

$127.5K

How much do independent business development consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent business development consultant in the United States is $60,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent business development consultant?

An Independent Business Development Consultant is a self-employed professional who helps businesses identify growth opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and increase revenue. They work on a contract basis, providing expertise in market analysis, lead generation, sales strategies, and client relationship management. Unlike in-house employees, they offer objective, specialized advice tailored to a company's specific needs. Their goal is to drive business expansion while allowing companies to access expert guidance without a long-term commitment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent business development consultant?

To thrive as an Independent Business Development Consultant, you need strong sales acumen, market analysis skills, and a track record in business strategy and client acquisition, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Proficiency in CRM software, data analysis tools, and proposal platforms is typically required. Exceptional networking, negotiation, and self-motivation are standout soft skills for building client relationships and driving growth independently. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully identifying opportunities, closing deals, and sustaining a profitable consulting practice.

How does an independent business development consultant typically structure their workday to balance client acquisition and project delivery?

As an Independent Business Development Consultant, balancing time between sourcing new clients and delivering on current projects is crucial. Consultants often allocate specific blocks of time for prospecting, networking, and follow-ups, while dedicating the remainder to client meetings, strategy sessions, and report preparation. Effective time management tools and clear communication with clients help in managing multiple engagements simultaneously. This structure allows consultants to maintain a steady pipeline of opportunities while ensuring high-quality service delivery.

What is the difference between Independent Business Development Consultant vs Business Development Manager?

AspectIndependent Business Development ConsultantBusiness Development Manager
CredentialsRelevant experience, industry knowledge, possibly certifications like CBDESame as consultant, often with company-specific training
Work EnvironmentFreelance or contract basis, multiple clientsFull-time employee within a company
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for project-based workUsed within organizations to grow business
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in skills and responsibilitiesDifferent in employment status and scope

The main difference is that an Independent Business Development Consultant works independently on a project basis, offering specialized expertise to multiple clients, while a Business Development Manager is a full-time employee focused on growing their company's business internally.

How much does an independent business development consultant earn?

Independent business development consultants typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and client base. Earnings can vary widely based on project scope, reputation, and geographic location, with many working on a freelance basis and setting their own rates.

What does an independent business development consultant do?

An independent business development consultant helps organizations identify growth opportunities, develop strategies, and build client relationships to increase revenue. They often analyze market trends, create sales plans, and may use tools like CRM software to support their efforts. This role requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge.
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What are popular job titles related to Independent Business Development Consultant jobs?

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Independent Business Development Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Business Development Consultant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,663 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Business Development Consultant

Chicago, IL • On-site

Exit Factor
See more jobs at Exit Factorexternal

$85K - $300K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Exit Factor of Chicago Downtown is expanding its already successful team!
Lead Generator & Community Connector - Build the Pipeline. Close the Deals. Create Your Own Success.
You Must Live in the Downtown Chicago or Chicago Metro Area. This role is 100% community embedded. If you are not local, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY.
Exit Factor is a specialized advisory firm dedicated to helping business owners maximize the value of their companies. We focus on transforming owner-led operations into high-value, scalable assets that are ready for a premium exit.
Our team works alongside founders to identify value gaps, professionalize their systems, and prepare the business for the scrutiny of a rigorous M&A process. Whether an owner is looking to sell in the next year or is simply focused on long-term wealth creation, we provide the strategic roadmap and technical support to ensure they build a business that is both highly profitable and diligence-ready.
At Exit Factor, we bridge the gap between day-to-day operations and a life-changing transaction, ensuring our clients never leave value on the table.
Exit Factor is searching for a high-energy Business Development Consultant who thrives on meeting business owners, uncovering opportunities, and turning conversations into revenue. This role is perfect for someone who:
  • Knows how to fill a pipeline from scratch,
  • Loves being out in the community connecting with business owners, and
  • Wants uncapped earnings with total autonomy.

If you're a natural networker who closes deals by building trust - not by pushing - this might be the most rewarding role you've ever had.
What You'll Do
Become a trusted resource for small & mid-sized business owners:
  • Generate qualified leads directly from your local market through networking, community involvement, referrals, and targeted outreach.
  • Build strong relationships with CPAs, lenders, wealth advisors, attorneys, and business groups who regularly interact with business owners.
  • Engage business owners in discovery conversations to understand their exit readiness and growth challenges.
  • Present Exit Factor's Valuation Assessment and consulting programs using our proven process.
  • Close a minimum of approx 1 Valuation Assessment per week and keep your pipeline consistently full.
  • Manage all activity and follow-up in our CRM to ensure predictable revenue production.
  • Provide a clean, confident handoff to the consulting team once the deal is closed.

What Success Looks Like
Activity & Lead Generation
  • Generate 15-30 qualified businessowner leads per month
  • Drive 12-24 referrals per month from power partners and centers of influence
  • Maintain a 75%+ show rate and 40%+ close rate

Revenue Production
  • Close 3+ Valuation Assessments per month (minimum of 36 annually)
  • Generate $85K+ annually in Valuation Assessment revenue
  • Earn $85K-$300K+ total in commission-based compensation

Who Thrives in This Role
Born Networkers & Relationship Builders
You're energized by talking with business owners, showing up at community events, forming partnerships, and turning strangers into clients.
Experienced B2B Hunters
  • 10+ years of professional B2B sales, ideally in services or consulting
  • A track record of self-generated pipeline (not waiting for inbound leads)
  • Skilled at consultative conversations, discovery, and closing

Independent, Self-Directed Professionals
  • You run your day like a business owner
  • You excel without daily management
  • You follow through, follow up, and don't need reminders
  • Entrepreneurial mindset - you love freedom, autonomy, and the challenge of building something
  • Aligned with our values: Listen First, Lead with Intent, Own Your Growth, Be Credible, Simplify

Compensation & Structure - 1099 Independent Contractor
  • Commission only: you earn a portion every assessment you close, and every long-term engagement you close
  • No revenue split, no clawbacks, no limits you keep what you close
  • Annual contract; easy renewal and simple 30-day out for either side

Training & Support
  • Required: Exit Factor Certification (West Palm Beach, FL) $495

o Can be fronted and deducted from early commissions
  • Ongoing skill development, coaching, and sales methodology training
  • Provided tools:

o HubSpot CRM
o Full marketing collateral
o Lead flow support
o Proven scripts, outreach sequences, and partner-building playbooks
You Must Live in the Downtown Chicago or Chicago Metro Area for this Role.
This role is 100% community-embedded. If you are not local, please do not apply.

Apply