Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Venture Capital with Lise Birikundavyi

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Alyssa McMasters, a confidence coach and speaker with a mission to empower individuals to overcome self-doubt and embrace their authentic power. Drawing on over a decade of experience in sales and four years in the wellness space, Alyssa shares actionable insights into building confidence as a skill, addressing insecurities, and redefining what success means during challenging times. The conversation dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, managing performance anxiety, and developing a personal "toolbelt" of strategies to navigate life's uncertainties. Whether you're a business leader or someone seeking personal growth, Alyssa's advice offers transformative steps for unlocking your full potential.Kelly and Alyssa also explore the parallels between courage and confidence, emphasizing the importance of facing fear and discomfort to grow. Through relatable anecdotes and engaging dialogue, they discuss how unlearning societal conditioning, reframing setbacks, and celebrating small wins can lead to profound personal transformation. Alyssa’s practical strategies, such as using a “neutrality ladder” to shift self-perception and setting realistic goals for success, provide listeners with tools to navigate both personal and professional challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace vulnerability, build resilience, and take actionable steps toward a more confident life.Key Takeaways: Confidence is a skill that can be developed through intentional practice and self-reflection.Imposter syndrome is temporary and often occurs before achieving something new.Small, consistent steps toward a goal are more effective than aiming for immediate results.Reframing setbacks by focusing on what’s within your control can help shift your mindset toward neutrality.Confidence doesn’t mean eliminating insecurities; it means not letting them hold you back.Vulnerability and authenticity are powerful tools for personal and professional growth.Celebrate both wins and losses to normalize the journey of growth and learning.Unlearning societal or external conditioning is essential to building authentic self-confidence.Developing a "toolbelt" of strategies helps prepare you to navigate challenges as they arise.Success looks different during difficult times, and redefining it can help maintain momentum.Companies mentioned in this episode: Capital Business Development Toast Let Me Introduce YourselfReady to Transform Your Business? Start Your Journey Today with Kelly Kennedy’s expert coaching. Discover strategies tailored for your growth and success. Begin your transformation now at Capital Business Development Coaching.

1 Dec 20241h

In this engaging installment of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy tackles the November 2024 edition of Community Questions, one of the show’s most beloved segments. Listeners from around the world submitted thoughtful questions on topics ranging from maximizing LinkedIn invitations to navigating client roadblocks when competing with established vendors. Kelly offers practical, actionable advice, emphasizing the importance of persistence, respect, and authenticity in business development. He also touches on the fine line between persistent follow-ups and being perceived as annoying, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies to stay professional yet determined.Additionally, Kelly discusses staying updated on industry trends and the growing need for human-centric approaches in 2025 amidst an AI-saturated landscape. Questions about transitioning into business development and balancing the presentation of information without overwhelming clients are also addressed. With a mix of personal insights and actionable tips, Kelly keeps the conversation dynamic, wrapping up the episode with show updates, shoutouts to the community, and a heartfelt reminder to foster genuine connections in both business and life.Key Takeaways:1. Consistently sending out LinkedIn invitations—up to 100 per week—can maximize your networking potential and build brand awareness effectively. 2. When pitching to a client using a competitor, focus on getting added to their vendor list rather than replacing the incumbent immediately. Relationships take time to build. 3. Persistence is essential, but it should always be accompanied by kindness, respect, and professionalism. Never follow up more than once a week to avoid being overwhelming. 4. Building relationships through meaningful conversations and trust is more impactful than hard-selling your products or services. 5. Staying up-to-date with industry trends involves having your "ear to the ground" and actively participating in your field rather than relying solely on external updates. 6. Human-centric approaches, emphasizing trust and authentic connections, are increasingly vital in a world where AI tools are widely used but lack personalization. 7. New business developers should prioritize building authentic relationships, learning soft skills, and leveraging face-to-face meetings for stronger connections. 8. Balancing authenticity and professionalism in LinkedIn posts, including personal insights and photos, helps increase engagement and credibility. 9. Tools like Canva and Descript can help create visually engaging content, but authentic, handwritten posts often outperform AI-generated material in establishing genuine connections. 10. If a LinkedIn connection request is ignored, find alternative ways to reach the right person, such as calling directly or seeking their email, to maintain momentum in your outreach efforts. Ready to Elevate Your Business?Unlock your full potential with Kelly Kennedy’s expert coaching. Tailored strategies. Proven results. Lasting success.Start your transformation today: Capital Business Development Coaching.

27 Nov 202435min

In Episode 188, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Vladimer Botsvadze, a globally recognized marketing expert and advisory board member at the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute. Vladimer shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Georgia to becoming one of the world’s top marketing thought leaders, as ranked by Thinkers360. With over 15 years of experience in digital transformation, Vladimer discusses the profound importance of emotional connection in business, emphasizing that it is the only sustainable long-term advantage. He passionately explains why leaders should build their personal brands from the heart, not the head, and how this approach can transform careers and organizations alike.The conversation dives deep into the future of business, touching on AI’s transformative impact, personal branding, and the critical skills professionals need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Vladimer also provides actionable insights on building trust, fostering authentic connections, and using content to create a lasting impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketing professional, or executive, this episode is packed with invaluable advice to help you stay ahead of the curve and create a meaningful, competitive edge in today’s fast-paced world.Key Takeaways: Building emotional connections is the only sustainable long-term advantage in business.Personal brands should be built from the heart, not the head, to create authenticity and trust.Consistency and patience are essential for success; there are no shortcuts to building influence.Emotional intelligence, including empathy and active listening, is critical to staying competitive in an AI-driven world.AI is reshaping industries, with over 85 million jobs predicted to be replaced by AI in the near future.Businesses must pivot quickly and embrace agility to survive in today’s fast-paced market.Leaders who focus on long-term thinking and customer-centric strategies are better positioned for success.Content creation is a powerful tool for building trust, fostering relationships, and growing influence.Networking and community-building are vital; strong personal connections create opportunities.Success comes from consistent action, self-education, and a commitment to providing value without expecting anything in return.

24 Nov 20241h

In Episode 187 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dives into the art and strategy of client gifting for the holiday season. He explains why giving thoughtful Christmas gifts to clients is a powerful way to strengthen professional relationships and show genuine appreciation. From creating a client list to selecting personalized, high-quality gifts, Kelly offers actionable tips for businesses to stand out. He emphasizes that client gifting isn’t about extravagance but about thoughtfulness, authenticity, and building meaningful connections. Whether it’s a customized item, branded merchandise, or a heartfelt card, Kelly shares how even small gestures can leave a lasting impact.This episode also addresses common challenges businesses face with gifting, such as navigating corporate policies, managing logistics, and ensuring timely delivery. Kelly shares practical strategies, like using Black Friday deals to save on quality gifts and leveraging tools like Cardly for personalized holiday cards. He encourages listeners to approach gifting as an opportunity to connect on a human level and foster stronger client relationships. Episode 187 serves as a comprehensive guide for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they make the most of the holiday season to build trust, goodwill, and appreciation with their clients.Key Takeaways: 1. Client gifting is about thoughtfulness and authenticity, not the monetary value of the gift.2. Giving Christmas gifts strengthens business relationships by showing genuine appreciation for clients’ trust and support.3. Personalization makes a difference—select gifts that reflect your brand and resonate with the recipient.4. Quality over quantity is essential; avoid cheap or generic items that could harm your professional image.5. Gifting should have no strings attached—express gratitude without expecting anything in return.6. Creating a client list and organizing gift logistics early can simplify the process and ensure timely delivery.7. Leveraging tools like Cardly or custom card designs adds a personal and meaningful touch.8. Black Friday is an excellent time to purchase high-quality gifts at a discount while ensuring they arrive on time.9. If possible, hand-deliver gifts locally to strengthen relationships through personal interaction.10. The act of giving itself fosters goodwill and sets your business apart in a time when human connection is often overlooked. Companies Mentioned:Capital Business Development CardlyBusiness Development Mastery Program

20 Nov 202438min

In Episode 186 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Lou Adler, the renowned CEO and founder of The Adler Group, to explore the intricacies of hiring and talent acquisition. Lou shares groundbreaking insights on why most people take jobs for the wrong reasons and how companies can dramatically improve their hiring processes. Drawing from over three decades of experience and the principles in his bestselling book "Hire With Your Head", Lou unpacks the concept of performance-based hiring. He explains how to align candidates' intrinsic motivations with job requirements to create mutually beneficial, long-term career relationships. With actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode provides invaluable guidance for entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and business leaders looking to refine their hiring strategies.Throughout the episode, Lou dives deep into issues such as hiring bias, the inefficiencies of traditional job postings, and the importance of defining clear performance objectives for roles. He emphasizes the power of networking and direct outreach, urging companies to adopt a high-touch, rather than high-tech, approach to recruiting. Whether you're a small business owner flying by the seat of your pants or an HR leader at a large corporation, Lou's insights offer practical ways to make better hiring decisions and avoid the costly mistakes of quick, ill-informed choices. If you’re looking to build stronger teams and make smarter hiring decisions, this conversation is not to be missed.Key Takeaways: 1. Most people take jobs for the wrong reasons, often prioritizing pay or title over meaningful career growth. 2. Defining clear performance objectives for a role is essential to hiring success. 3. A two-question interview method—"How would you solve this problem?" and "What have you done that's comparable?"—can transform the hiring process. 4. Networking and direct outreach are far more effective than relying on job postings. 5. Intrinsic motivation is the key to long-term employee engagement and performance. 6. Hiring decisions made too quickly often lead to costly mistakes, known as the "90-day wonder." 7. Addressing hiring bias through structured interviews and delaying snap judgments leads to better outcomes. 8. A job description should focus on what needs to be accomplished, not just candidate qualifications. 9. Spending more time with fewer candidates ensures better hiring decisions and long-term results. 10. Before making an offer, always ask candidates if they understand the role’s expectations and why it’s a good career move for them. Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.caperformancebasedhiring.com

17 Nov 20241h 7min

In Episode 185 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy explores why authenticity will be a critical business advantage in 2025, as companies increasingly shift toward a human-centric approach. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday operations, genuine human connection and authenticity are emerging as standout qualities that businesses can use to build trust and loyalty. Kelly shares his own experiences of incorporating authentic content on social media, discussing how stepping away from AI-generated posts and embracing his own voice led to stronger engagement and meaningful connections.Kelly dives into the importance of showing up as your true self—flaws, imperfections, and all—and explains why this shift to a more human-focused business model will drive success in the coming years. He emphasizes that in a world filled with polished AI content, real, relatable interactions foster trust and set businesses apart. This episode encourages listeners to reconsider their approach to communication and challenges them to build deeper connections by prioritizing honesty, transparency, and personal touch in their interactions.Key Takeaways:1. Embracing authenticity will be key to standing out in 2025 as more businesses rely on AI-generated content.2. Human-centric communication creates trust, which AI-driven messages often lack.3. Write posts and create videos without AI to enhance engagement with genuine, personal content.4. Show up authentically; audiences connect more deeply with real, relatable stories over perfection.5. Use video to strengthen human connections, even if it feels intimidating at first.6. Embrace vulnerability; sharing challenges and flaws builds rapport and relatability.7. Focus on creating content that genuinely addresses your audience’s needs, goals, and challenges.8. Prioritize value over promotion; helpful insights keep people engaged long-term.9. Maintain a conversational tone; audiences are more receptive to friendly, approachable messages.10. Encourage two-way communication; respond thoughtfully to comments and foster active engagement.Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.ca

13 Nov 202431min

Episode 184 of The Business Development Podcast features Barry Williams, an assistant professor at MacEwan University and seasoned property management expert. In this episode, Kelly Kennedy and Barry discuss how real estate serves as an economic indicator, particularly through housing starts, which can predict economic trends up to a year in advance. Barry explains the nuances of property management and offers insights for entrepreneurs considering commercial real estate investments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the financial and operational responsibilities of property ownership. He also delves into the changes in the real estate landscape post-COVID, particularly the shift towards remote work, which has left much office space underutilized.Throughout their conversation, Barry provides practical advice on topics such as market surveys, negotiating lease terms, and assessing the viability of purchasing versus leasing office spaces. He highlights the complexities involved in managing a building, from energy efficiency to handling potentially costly issues like asbestos. For business owners, Barry's insights offer valuable guidance on navigating the challenges of property investment and management in today’s dynamic economic environment.Key Takeaways:1. Real estate trends, especially housing starts, can be valuable economic indicators that forecast shifts up to a year in advance.2. Property management involves more than ownership; managing a building includes maintenance, financial management, and HR skills.3. Entrepreneurs should assess both short-term and long-term needs when deciding between leasing and purchasing real estate.4. A market survey is essential when leasing or buying; understanding local rental rates and amenities helps ensure a fair deal.5. Office space demand has shifted post-COVID, with many companies now favoring remote or hybrid work models, impacting vacancy rates.6. Energy efficiency in buildings can significantly affect operational costs, making modern, eco-friendly properties a wise investment.7. Common area costs in commercial buildings can be a substantial expense; be sure to account for them when budgeting.8. Converting office buildings into residential spaces is costly and requires a clear financial recovery plan.9. Specialized maintenance issues, such as asbestos or mold abatement, can dramatically increase building management costs.10. The decision to buy or lease commercial property depends on financing costs, long-term plans, and the potential return on investment.Companies mentioned in this episode: MacEwan University Epic Investment Services BGIS Aiyer and Oxford Inc. Bentall Kennedy Boardwalk REIT Widener Real Estate Institute of Canada BOMA Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.ca

10 Nov 202451min

In Episode 183 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dives into the fundamental role of trust in building sustainable, long-term business success. He discusses how, in an era dominated by passive marketing strategies and digital communication, the missing ingredient for many businesses is authentic human connection. Kelly emphasizes that trust cannot be built solely through emails, ads, or social media posts; instead, it requires genuine person-to-person interactions that foster rapport and confidence. Drawing from his extensive experience, he shares strategies for integrating trust-building practices into the sales process, shifting the focus from immediate sales to creating meaningful, enduring relationships.Kelly also explores the growing importance of a human-centric approach as we move toward 2025, predicting that businesses will need to prioritize real connections over automated interactions. He advises listeners to make simple but impactful changes, like writing personalized emails, engaging in face-to-face meetings, and even stepping outside their comfort zones at networking events without expectations. By putting trust at the forefront of business development, Kelly believes that companies can not only increase sales but also create loyal customer bases that drive success and growth far beyond the initial transaction.Key Takeaways:1. Trust is the foundation of long-term business success and should be prioritized in all client interactions.2. In a world leaning heavily on automation, real human connections are invaluable and help your business stand out.3. Passive marketing alone, like ads and social posts, can’t build trust; balance it with active, personal strategies.4. Building strong relationships is more impactful than pushing for immediate sales, as it leads to greater long-term success.5. Authenticity in emails, posts, and conversations helps establish trust; avoid canned responses whenever possible.6. Direct contact—such as phone calls and face-to-face meetings—creates rapport and makes a stronger impression.7. Attend networking events without expecting immediate results; focus on connecting with others genuinely.8. Meeting clients for casual get-togethers like lunches or golf builds personal connections and strengthens trust.9. Consistent, authentic engagement with clients fosters dependable, long-lasting relationships.10. As we enter 2025, businesses that embrace a human-centered approach will stand out in a digitally dominated world.🌟 Ready to elevate your business development skills? Introducing Kelly Kennedy's Business Development Mastery Program—a tailored coaching experience crafted to build your confidence, sharpen strategies, and achieve extraordinary results.If you’re navigating challenges like self-worth, strategy, or need expert guidance to reach your goals, this program delivers actionable insights and personalized support to help you thrive in today’s competitive landscape.Ready to learn the steps to truly grow your business? Let’s connect! Book a discovery call to see if this program is the right fit for you: Business Development Mastery ProgramLinks referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.caCompanies mentioned in this episode: Capital Business Development Hypervac Technologies Apple Samsung

6 Nov 202434min