Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Venture Capital with Lise Birikundavyi

In Episode 175 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dives into the essentials of solopreneurship, offering a comprehensive guide for those building businesses single-handedly. From mastering time management to developing a resilient brand and understanding the importance of risk protection, Kelly shares actionable insights to help solopreneurs not only survive but thrive. He covers the critical need for professional liability insurance, the benefits of a personal rainy-day fund, and why setting aside one day each week for business development can make a world of difference in client acquisition and revenue stability.Kelly also addresses the unique challenges solopreneurs face, including managing client relationships, staying efficient with time, and balancing personal well-being. Listeners will learn about the power of fractional support services, effective delegation, and leveraging AI tools to streamline their processes. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your solo business, this episode is packed with essential strategies to drive sustainable growth and create a more balanced, profitable journey in solopreneurship.Key Takeaways: 1. Protect Yourself and Your Business: Carry professional liability insurance to guard against potential risks and unexpected lawsuits.2. Build a Rainy-Day Fund: Establish at least three months of savings for both personal and business expenses to safeguard against financial uncertainties.3. Value Time as a Solopreneur: Implement efficient time management strategies, like blocking off specific hours for tasks and committing to your schedule.4. Dedicate Time to Business Development: Set aside one full day each week to focus solely on business growth activities, such as client outreach and LinkedIn networking.5. Maximize Efficiency: Focus on the 2-3 tasks that contribute the most revenue and delegate or outsource other activities whenever possible.6. Utilize Fractional Support: Consider hiring fractional professionals for specialized tasks (e.g., HR, bookkeeping) to reduce workload without a full-time commitment.7. Use AI and Technology Wisely: Leverage AI tools to streamline processes and increase productivity, keeping an eye out for new advancements.8. Price Based on Value, Not Hours: Avoid hourly pricing and instead charge based on the results or impact you deliver to maximize income potential.9. Build a Strong Personal Brand: In solopreneurship, your personal brand can be as impactful as your business brand, so invest in building it authentically.10. Avoid Burnout by Setting Boundaries: Prioritize mental well-being, recognize the signs of burnout, and schedule regular breaks to maintain long-term productivity.Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.caUnlock Your Business Potential with Expert Coaching! Are you ready to elevate your business to new heights? With Kelly Kennedy’s personalized coaching, you’ll gain proven strategies crafted to drive your growth and long-term success. Whether you're looking to refine your approach, master business development, or overcome challenges, Kelly’s guidance is here to support your journey every step of the way. Start transforming your business today at [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching) and take the first step toward real, measurable success!

9 Okt 202445min

In Episode 174 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Patricia Bathory, a psychotherapist and entrepreneur, to explore the often overlooked but critical relationship between mental health and entrepreneurial success. Patricia shares her insights on the mental pressures that business owners face, from isolation and burnout to the challenge of maintaining personal relationships. The conversation delves into why vulnerability should be embraced, not feared, and how it can lead to more meaningful connections in both personal and professional life. Patricia emphasizes that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of mental well-being and offers practical strategies for entrepreneurs to thrive holistically.Throughout the episode, Kelly and Patricia discuss the importance of self-awareness and establishing boundaries to protect mental health while still driving business growth. They talk about the transformative power of relationships, and Patricia provides real-world examples of how balancing mental health with business demands can lead to more sustainable and fulfilling success. For entrepreneurs and business leaders grappling with stress or seeking a healthier work-life balance, this episode provides valuable tools and actionable insights to navigate the entrepreneurial journey with resilience and purpose.Takeaways:1. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, especially in leadership.2. Mental health should be prioritized just as much as business growth.3. Strong personal relationships are essential to long-term success.4. Balancing business and personal well-being leads to sustainable success.5. Entrepreneurs often face isolation and burnout if they neglect mental health.6. Self-awareness helps in setting boundaries that protect mental well-being.7. Embracing vulnerability fosters deeper, more meaningful connections.8. Success shouldn’t come at the expense of personal relationships.9. It's crucial to recognize when to ask for help in both business and life.10. True success involves balancing business ambitions with mental health and personal fulfillment.Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.capatriciabathory.comReady to Take Your Business to the Next Level? Unlock your full potential with Kelly Kennedy’s personalized coaching. Whether you're seeking growth strategies or looking to overcome business challenges, Kelly’s expert guidance is designed to help you thrive. Start your journey to success today by visiting [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching). Your transformation begins here—let’s build your future together.

6 Okt 20241h 28min

In Episode 173 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy delves into the critical mindset shift that business development is a long-term commitment, comparing it to a marathon rather than a sprint. He emphasizes that success in business development comes from consistent effort over time, much like planting seeds and nurturing them before seeing results. Kennedy reminds listeners that business opportunities often materialize months or even years after initial outreach, making it essential to maintain steady business development practices even during periods of success.Kelly also addresses common mistakes made by businesses, such as pulling back on business development during good times, only to find themselves scrambling when opportunities dry up. He stresses the importance of keeping a full pipeline of leads and never letting up on the gas. In this episode, he provides real-life examples of long-term wins and highlights the power of human-to-human connections. Listeners are encouraged to stay consistent, track their efforts, and always work toward setting meetings, as it is through these meetings that real opportunities emerge over time.Key Takeaways: 1. Business development is a marathon, requiring consistent effort over time for long-term success. 2. Success in business development comes from planting seeds and nurturing relationships, which pay off months or years later. 3. Never stop business development efforts, even during times of success, to avoid a dry pipeline. 4. Active marketing and direct outreach are essential to building trust and human-to-human connections. 5. The best time to do business development is before you need sales, not when you’re desperate for new opportunities. 6. Passive advertising is helpful for brand recognition but shouldn’t replace active business development efforts. 7. Measure success by meetings and opportunities, not just calls or emails, as meetings lead to tangible results. 8. Consistency is key—stick with your process, even when immediate results aren’t visible. 9. Track and analyze business development activities to improve processes and predict success trends over time. 10. Business development ebbs and flows, so maintaining momentum is crucial for long-term opportunities.Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.caCompanies mentioned in this episode: Capital Business Development Apple Jim Harold's Campfire Scared to Death Podcast

2 Okt 202439min

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Derek Nolt, CEO of BladeFlex, to discuss the journey from a career in construction to becoming an entrepreneur in health tech. Derek shares his personal story of chronic shoulder pain, caused by years of physical labor, and how it sparked the development of BladeFlex, an innovative rehabilitation device designed to improve posture and muscle balance. From prototyping to patenting and marketing, Derek walks us through the challenges and triumphs of bringing a physical product to market.Throughout the conversation, Derek and Kelly delve into the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting the ups and downs of product development and the importance of passion in overcoming obstacles. Derek emphasizes the need for patience, persistence, and innovation, while also sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or simply interested in the product development process, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories from a health-tech innovator.10 Key Takeaways:Passion is essential to success—if you don't love what you're building, it’s harder to stay motivated through challenges.Product development is a long process, with multiple iterations and prototypes before reaching a final design.Finding the right partners and experts, like engineers and manufacturers, is key to developing a high-quality product.Patenting a product requires significant investment, both in terms of time and money, but can protect your idea in the long run.Marketing a product is as important as developing it—effective promotion can make or break its success.Partnerships with influencers or athletes can create spikes in sales, but consistent marketing efforts are needed for sustained growth.Failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey; the key is to learn from mistakes and continue moving forward.Offering multiple products or variations can increase customer appeal and extend a brand’s longevity.Having proper insurance and legal protections ensures you’re covered in case of issues with the product.Always focus on delivering a high-quality product, as this builds trust with customers and keeps them coming back.

29 Sep 202454min

In Episode 171 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy addresses community questions from listeners, providing insights on a wide range of business development topics. He answers practical questions about handling communication on LinkedIn, including how to follow up after meetings without being intrusive and strategies for transitioning conversations from LinkedIn to direct communication. He also advises on building confidence and communication skills for non-native English speakers, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and practice.Kelly continues by discussing strategies for networking at trade shows and developing a personal brand on LinkedIn, highlighting the shift from corporate to personal posts that share real experiences and value. He encourages small business owners to grow sustainably by carefully timing new hires and expanding into new markets. The episode concludes with advice on understanding business development's role in generating new opportunities and insights on how to become a LinkedIn top voice by consistently providing value and engaging with your audience.Key Takeaways: 1. Transition LinkedIn conversations to direct communication via email or phone as soon as possible to secure meetings.2. Simplify meeting setups by sending a Calendly link instead of asking for emails or going through extra steps.3. If a follow-up is needed after a meeting, check in once per week to maintain momentum without being intrusive.4. Always end meetings with the question "What are the next steps?" to avoid losing traction.5. Confidence shines through in communication, especially for non-native speakers—practice and self-belief are key.6. Use trade shows to gather contact information for later follow-ups, not to make immediate sales.7. Approach conversations with curiosity—asking about the other person will ease the pressure of networking with strangers.8. Only hire when you have a long-term need or a project with guaranteed work to mitigate financial risk.9. Master your local market and community before expanding your business to other cities.10. A strong personal brand is built by sharing your experiences and values, making you relatable to others on platforms like LinkedIn.

25 Sep 202444min

In Episode 170 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Craig Williams, founder of A&M Abatement, to explore the often-overlooked dangers lurking in older homes and buildings: asbestos and hazardous materials. Craig shares his journey from environmental science to entrepreneurship, highlighting how he founded A&M Abatement to fill a critical gap in the industry. He dives into the technical details of asbestos abatement, explains the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and offers practical advice for homeowners, business owners, and contractors working in buildings constructed before 1985.Craig also discusses the broader impacts of asbestos, including its history, why it was so commonly used in construction, and what legal obligations exist today for property owners and businesses. The episode sheds light on an important, yet niche, industry while emphasizing the importance of being proactive in identifying and addressing hazardous materials in buildings. This conversation is essential for anyone involved in renovation, construction, or property management, providing valuable insights into maintaining safety and compliance.Key Takeaways: 1. Asbestos was widely used in buildings up until the 1980s, making it common in older homes and structures.2. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma, often developing decades after exposure.3. Asbestos becomes hazardous when it's friable, meaning it can crumble and release fibers into the air.4. Before renovating buildings older than 1985, testing for asbestos is essential to avoid exposure risks.5. Proper asbestos removal requires trained professionals and specialized equipment to ensure safety.6. Spraying wate during abatement helps prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne by making them heavier.7. Lead paint in older buildings poses neurological risks, particularly to children, and should be tested before renovation.8. Asbestos-contaminated materials must be disposed of correctly to prevent exposure to others and environmental harm.9. Employers must follow health and safety laws to protect workers from asbestos exposure during renovations or demolitions.10. Hiring environmental consultants ensures proper testing and safety measures before any renovation or demolition work.

22 Sep 20241h 16min

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy explores the profound impact that overwhelming media consumption can have on both personal and professional growth. He discusses how constant exposure to negative news, social media, and political discourse can lead to a cycle of negativity, draining energy and focus away from essential business and personal development goals. Drawing on his experiences, Kelly shares ten valuable lessons on managing media intake, building a positive mindset, and maintaining focus amidst today's information overload. These lessons cover practical steps like curating social media feeds, celebrating small wins, reframing negative situations, and believing in oneself despite external circumstances.The episode provides listeners with actionable strategies to regain control over what they consume and how it affects their mindset. Kelly encourages taking deliberate steps to reset media habits and embrace positive, uplifting content and communities. By disconnecting from the noise and focusing on constructive inputs, listeners can improve their mental clarity, enhance their decision-making, and drive business success even in challenging environments. The episode is a guide for anyone looking to escape media overwhelm and unlock their full potential in both their personal and professional lives.Key Takeaways:1. Control your media diet by being selective about the content you consume.2. Take small, positive actions daily to create significant progress over time.3. Avoid fear-based thinking by distancing yourself from fear-inducing media.4. Celebrate small wins regularly to maintain motivation and momentum.5. Surround yourself with positivity by choosing uplifting people and content.6. Take breaks to reset and refocus away from negative influences.7. Reframe negative situations to shift your mindset and build resilience.8. Believe in your ability to succeed regardless of external circumstances.9. Be mindful of what you share and consume, and ensure it aligns with your goals.10. Remember you always have a choice to control what you consume and focus on.Ready 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](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching).

18 Sep 202443min

In Episode 168 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back Fatima Zaidi, the founder and CEO of Quill Inc. and CoHost, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of podcasting and its potential for business growth in 2025 and beyond. Fatima shares her expert insights on how businesses can leverage podcasting as a powerful tool for brand storytelling, thought leadership, and lead generation. She emphasizes the importance of consistency in content production, understanding audience demographics, and adopting a data-driven approach to maximize engagement and ROI. The discussion explores why many podcasts fail to sustain over time, highlighting the need for realistic expectations, strategic planning, and audience-focused content creation.The episode also delves into the challenges and opportunities within the podcasting industry, including the debate over video versus audio podcasting, the effectiveness of various marketing strategies, and the role of podcast analytics in guiding content and monetization decisions. Fatima explains how Quill Inc. and CoHost are helping podcasters, from Fortune 500 brands to independent creators, understand their audience's behavior and optimize their podcasting efforts for better results. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on building a successful podcast strategy that aligns with business objectives, driving not just downloads but meaningful engagement and conversions.Key Takeaways: 1. Podcasting is a powerful tool for brand storytelling and creating deeper connections with audiences beyond traditional marketing methods.2. Consistent and frequent content production is key to sustaining a podcast's growth and maintaining listener engagement.3. A data-driven approach to podcasting helps identify the right audience and tailor content to their interests, increasing the likelihood of business impact.4. Audience engagement metrics, such as listener retention and completion rates, are more valuable than vanity metrics like total downloads.5. Video podcasting can be more costly and time-consuming, with lower engagement rates compared to audio, which offers more flexibility for listeners.6. Smaller businesses can use podcasting as a strategic tool for lead generation by understanding who is listening and integrating this data into their sales funnels.7. Authenticity in marketing is crucial; using reputable ad platforms like Spotify can bring in legitimate listeners, unlike services that promise inflated download numbers.8. Building a podcast community is essential; engaging with listeners through polls, social media, and feedback can enhance content relevance and loyalty.9. The future of podcasting lies in understanding listener behavior and leveraging that data to drive content strategy, engagement, and ROI.10. For brands and independent creators alike, podcasting success requires a marathon mindset — a commitment to long-term consistency, strategy, and authentic growth.

15 Sep 202454min