Who Needs Business Development: The Power of Active Marketing for Maximum ROI

In episode 104 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy and guest Connor Nichols share their personal journeys into the world of business development. Both individuals recount how they initially pursued different paths, only to find themselves unexpectedly drawn to business development. They reflect on the emotional and transformative nature of discovering their passion for the field, highlighting the pivotal role of personal connections and influential mentors in shaping their career trajectories. The episode delves into Connor's experiences at NAIT, where he encountered diverse perspectives and honed their communication skills, ultimately leading him to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic.Throughout the episode, Kelly and Connor's parallel narratives underscore the universal themes of self-discovery, adaptation, and the power of mentorship in the business development industry. Their candid reflections offer valuable insights for aspiring professionals and underscore the importance of remaining open to unexpected opportunities and continuously evolving in the dynamic landscape of business development. The episode serves as a testament to the transformative impact of personal connections, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change in pursuing a fulfilling career in the field.Key Takeaways: Sometimes career paths can unexpectedly shift, leading individuals to pursue roles they hadn't initially considered.Personal connections and recommendations can influence career choices, leading individuals to explore new opportunities.College and university experiences can provide valuable exposure to diverse perspectives and help individuals develop adaptability and communication skills.Influential mentors and professors can play a significant role in shaping career aspirations and providing industry insights.Networking and relationship building are crucial components of career success, particularly in fields like marketing and business development.Industry-focused education and practical experiences, such as client presentations and promotional campaigns, can prepare individuals for real-world challenges.The COVID-19 pandemic presented both difficulties and opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.Independence and adaptability are valuable traits that can help individuals navigate challenging circumstances, such as transitioning to remote learning during the pandemic.Embracing change and finding the positive aspects in difficult situations can lead to personal and professional development.Family influences and early experiences can shape individuals' values and attitudes towards independence and self-reliance.

4 Feb 20241h 9min

In this episode 103 of the Business Development Podcast, hosted by Kelly Kennedy, the focus is on strategies for the development and success of small businesses. Kelly emphasizes the value of time, resources and skills management in the running of a small business and shares valuable insights on business development. The episode features expert advice for the growth of small businesses, with discussions about practical daily tips for business owners and importance of active marketing strategies.Kelly highlights the significance of LinkedIn as a platform for enhancing connections and utilizing it for business growth. There is also advice on how to best use digital calendars, websites and brochures as key tools in business development. The importance of creating a diverse team, carrying out active marketing strategies, making the best use of phone calls, and taking responsibility for business growth are discussed in detail. Kelly encourages listeners to maintain a consistent daily notepad detailing their top duties and fostering a practice of regular follow-up. The episode concludes with a reminder that taking control of business growth contributes significantly to long-term success.Key Takeaways: Use a calendar effectively for meeting schedules, work time, and business development activities. Consider investing in a professional website and brochures to potentially boost brand awareness and attract customers.Dedicate at least one day per week for new business development tasks.Employ a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) system to keep track of your business development efforts.Assemble a diverse team and delegate tasks to them.Avoid using money you don't have on passive strategies. Focus more on active business development strategies.Regular phone calls are beneficial for direct communication with clients and valuable for active marketing.Utilize LinkedIn to its full potential as a networking and connecting tool.Understand the importance of taking responsibility for the growth of your business.Keep a daily notepad to note down and keep track of your top tasks for the day. Need a CRM? Pipedrive CRM partner link with extended 30 Day Trial: https://aff.trypipedrive.com/5zsg0410z40x

31 Jan 202436min

In Episode 102 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy engages in an enlightening conversation with Douglas Holt, the Associate VP of Investments at Alberta Innovates. Holt, with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning financial services, government, technology, and education sectors, shares valuable insights on pursuing smart growth strategies in the ever-evolving business landscape. He discusses the emergence of new markets and technologies, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt, challenge themselves, and embrace global opportunities. Holt also sheds light on the changing capital market dynamics, urging entrepreneurs to focus on cost-efficient and profitable growth while aligning with patient capital providers for long-term success.Throughout the episode, Holt and Kennedy delve into the challenges faced during economic downturns, the importance of managing costs, and the role of capital in driving sustainable growth. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the critical factors influencing business development and are equipped with practical advice to navigate the evolving capital market landscape. The episode serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals seeking to make informed decisions and pursue growth strategies that align with their long-term objectives.Key Takeaways: Pursue smart growth strategies that prioritize cost-efficient and profitable growth.Embrace new markets and technologies to stay competitive and challenge yourself.Adapt to changing market dynamics and global opportunities.Align with patient capital providers for long-term success.Manage costs effectively during economic downturns.Focus on profitable growth rather than growth at any cost.Seek out capital that aligns with your priorities and long-term objectives.Build a talented team of experts to coach and support your company's growth.Leverage community connections and strategic partnerships to gain traction.Conduct intricate financial analysis to inform corporate strategies and decision-making.

28 Jan 202457min

In Episode 101 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy delves into the challenging topic of unhealthy habits among business development specialists. Reflecting on his own experiences, Kennedy aims to raise awareness about these habits and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing them to improve professional growth. He highlights the need for consistency in following a structured process and encourages veterans in the industry to share their knowledge and skills with the next generation, rather than guarding them out of fear of being replaced.Throughout Episode 101 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy candidly discusses the secretive nature of business development and the lack of available content in the field. He emphasizes the importance of shedding light on these topics and providing an educational resource for those entering the industry. Kennedy encourages listeners to overcome challenges such as cold calls and lack of consistency by practicing and following a structured process. Additionally, he addresses the need for veterans to give back to the next generation by sharing their skills and knowledge, emphasizing the importance of collective growth within the business development community.Key Takeaways:Consistency is crucial for success in business development.Cold calls become easier with practice and improvement in pitching.Safeguarding knowledge and skills in business development is not beneficial for anyone, including the next generation.Business development has historically been secretive, but the Business Development Podcast aims to change that.Giving back and teaching the next generation is essential for the growth of the business development industry.Reflecting on and recognizing unhealthy habits is important for personal and professional growth.Having a consistent process and following it diligently is key to effectiveness in business development.Overcoming unhealthy habits requires awareness and corrective actions.Providing an educational resource for those entering the business development industry is valuable.

24 Jan 202443min

Milestone Episode 100 of The Business Development Podcast is a celebration of the journey that Kelly Kennedy and his team have taken to reach this significant milestone. The episode features Kelly, along with his two most important team members, Shelby Hobbs and Cole Chorney, reflecting on the past 100 episodes and discussing what the future holds for the podcast. Throughout the episode, they express their gratitude to the expert guests who have shared their business development advice, tips, and experiences, as well as to the listeners who have supported the show along the way.Looking ahead, the team has exciting plans for the future of the podcast, including more interviews with business owners, CEOs, and business development reps, as well as a focus on expert business development advice from specialists in the field. They also plan to involve the community more in the show, with opportunities for listeners to share their own success stories and ask questions of the experts. Overall, Milestone Episode 100 of The Business Development Podcast is a celebration of the hard work and dedication that has gone into creating a valuable resource for anyone looking to grow their business.Key Takeaways:Consistency in providing valuable content is crucial.Team collaboration and support are pivotal in achieving podcast milestones.Setting clear goals and working towards them is essential for progress and development.Reflecting on achievements and celebrating milestones is important for acknowledging progress.Learning from expert guests provides valuable insights and advice for growth.Adapting to changing needs and interests of the audience is crucial for future success.Persistence and resilience are key in overcoming challenges and pursuing long-term goals.

21 Jan 20241h 14min

In Episode 99 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy expresses gratitude to the listeners for their unwavering support throughout the journey. With a sense of disbelief at reaching this milestone, Kennedy acknowledges the encouragement received from the audience and emphasizes the impact of the show on their lives. Reflecting on the remarkable growth of the podcast, Kennedy credits the listeners for the show's success and teases an exciting upcoming 100th episode. Additionally, he highlights the significance of human touch in business, despite the advancements in technology, and concludes the episode with a list of shoutouts to individuals who have contributed to the show's progress.Episode 99 of The Business Development Podcast is a testament to the show's journey and the profound impact it has had on its audience. Host Kelly Kennedy expresses deep appreciation for the listeners and acknowledges their role in the podcast's success. With a focus on the human element in business, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology while maintaining a personal touch. As the episode draws to a close, Kennedy looks forward to the future of the podcast, promising more engaging content and inviting the audience to join in the continued growth of the show.Key Takeaways:Technology provides new tools to utilize and learn in 2024.It is important to remember that technology is not a replacement for a human touch.Embracing new technology can enhance business development strategies.Technology can play a significant role in navigating business development in the current landscape.Utilizing technology effectively can contribute to the growth and success of a business.Linkedin, Phone, Email & CRM are still the most effective business development tools.

17 Jan 202434min

In Episode 98 of The Business Development Podcast, CEO of atWork Office Furniture, Rodney Lover, discusses the importance of setting and reflecting on goals. He emphasizes the value of writing down both big and small goals, as well as documenting wins throughout the year to maintain a positive focus. The conversation also delves into the significance of gratitude and celebrating achievements, highlighting the need to balance ambition with appreciation for current accomplishments. Additionally, the episode touches on the evolution of business development and the willingness to embrace change and new ideas, showcasing Rodney's openness to growth and adaptation in the industry.Throughout the episode, Rodney and host Kelly Kennedy reflect on the challenges and opportunities in business development, drawing from their experiences to emphasize the necessity of pushing oneself into uncomfortable corners to achieve growth. They discuss the evolution of their roles and the need to adapt mindsets to navigate the changing landscape of business development. The episode also highlights Rodney's background in sales and marketing, underscoring the importance of being open to learning from others, regardless of their experience level. Overall, Episode 98 provides valuable insights into goal setting, gratitude, and the continuous evolution of business development, as shared by Rodney Lover and Kelly Kennedy.Key Takeaways:Set clear goals for the year, both big and small, and write them down.Document and celebrate the wins, no matter how small, throughout the year.Practice gratitude regularly and acknowledge the blessings in life.Recognize the importance of outside funding and support for growth and development.Embrace discomfort and challenges as opportunities for growth and evolution.Be open to new ideas and outside opinions, regardless of your experience or background.Adapt and evolve with the changing industry and business landscape.Recognize the value of pushing oneself into uncomfortable corners to achieve growth.Emphasize the importance of mindset change for personal and professional development.Acknowledge that valuable change often comes through challenges and difficult times.

14 Jan 20241h 19min

In Episode 97 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly expresses his gratitude to Dan Balaban, CEO and executive chair at Greengate Power, for sharing insights into large-scale renewable solar wind projects. Kennedy discusses the value of maximizing travel time by listening to audiobooks, drawing from his own experience of extensive driving for business meetings. He emphasizes the importance of staying committed to finishing audiobooks within a reasonable time frame and advises against listening while going to bed to ensure retention of content. Kennedy recommends using opportunities like snow shoveling and yard work to listen to audiobooks and highlights the benefits of Audible subscriptions for accessing a wide range of books with favorable narrators.In addition, Episode 97 provides practical tips for success in audiobook consumption, such as promptly returning books with unfavorable narrators and making use of Audible's subscription benefits. Kennedy's insights cater to business professionals and executives who seek to optimize their time and knowledge acquisition through audiobooks, reflecting his own journey of transitioning from limited traditional book reading to embracing audiobooks as a valuable learning tool. The episode underscores the significance of leveraging audiobooks for personal and professional development, aligning with Kennedy's commitment to providing actionable strategies for business growth and success.Key Takeaways: Stay committed to finishing audiobooks in a reasonable time to retain the information effectively.Avoid listening to audiobooks while going to bed to ensure better retention of the content.Utilize opportunities like snow shoveling, yard work, and other mindless tasks to listen to audiobooks effectively.Consider using Audible for audiobook subscriptions, as it is a valuable investment for audiobook needs.If the narrator's voice is not suitable, consider returning the audiobook to ensure a better listening experience.Maximize travel time by listening to audiobooks during long drives or commutes.Take advantage of Audible's credit system to access books at a discounted price.Prioritize finishing audiobooks within a week or two to keep the information fresh and cohesive.Consider audiobooks as a valuable resource for learning and personal development, especially for individuals with busy schedules.Embrace audiobooks as a means to gain knowledge and insights while engaging in daily activities.

10 Jan 202431min