Editor's note: This column is the first in a three-part series. To read Part 2, visit http://bit.ly/3Zggzua. To read Part 3, visit http://bit.ly/3J5kcNF.

Business development. Why should you care? Among the myriad reasons, having your own book of business helps you to:

  • Gain more control of your career
  • Attract and accept more premium-type work
  • Partner with clients you really enjoy
  • Reap greater financial rewards

No matter where you are age- and stage-wise, you can learn (or reengage) strategies and tips and become better at business development. Whether you're motivated and committed to a deep dive and doubling down on your efforts—the start of a new year and an uncertain economy can have that affect—or you just want to re-energize this part of your practice—there are countless options you could take that will make a marked difference. In this article, we will start with three.