The Business Development Podcast

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental health challenges, including mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you’re not alone—help is available. In Canada, you can call or text the suicide hotline at 9-8-8, 24/7.In this powerful episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Bryan Hayes, founder and president of ElevateX Sales, for a deep and candid conversation on resilience, mental health, and empathy in the world of sales. Bryan opens up about his personal journey from rock bottom to resilience, sharing how he faced life-altering losses in his career and the emotional toll that nearly broke him. He discusses the challenges of navigating the business world after losing high-stakes deals, the mental strain that came with it, and how, at his lowest point, he found the strength to rebuild. With unfiltered honesty, Bryan recounts the role his loved ones and mentors played in helping him regain his sense of purpose and the critical choices that ultimately led to his comeback.Beyond his inspiring story of resilience, Bryan and Kelly dive into the importance of empathy in sales, exploring how understanding and connecting with clients on a deeper level can redefine success. Bryan explains how his experiences shaped his unique approach to business, emphasizing that genuine relationships are the foundation of impactful sales. Together, they discuss practical ways business owners and sales professionals can incorporate empathy into their interactions, and how Bryan’s journey informed his vision for ElevateX Sales. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to overcome setbacks, find motivation, and approach business with a renewed sense of purpose and authenticity.Key Takeaways:1. Embrace resilience in the face of failure; every setback is a chance to rebuild stronger.2. Empathy is essential in sales; truly seeing things from your client’s perspective creates lasting trust.3. Lean on your support network during challenging times; loved ones and mentors can be invaluable.4. Mental health struggles are real in business; seeking help can make a world of difference.5. In tough moments, remember why you started and what you’re working toward.6. When deals fall apart, focus on what you learned and how it prepares you for future success.7. Authenticity in client interactions builds stronger, more meaningful business relationships.8. Taking a break to reassess your path can lead to new insights and directions.9. Use adversity as fuel for growth; it can unlock new strengths you didn’t know you had.10. Developing a unique sales approach that aligns with your values can set you apart in the industry.Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.cawww.elevatexsales.comReady 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. Business Development Mastery with Kelly Kennedy

3 Nov 20241h 9min

In Episode 181 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dives into the October 2024 community questions, sharing his insights on business development challenges. He answers questions on managing inbound leads, the use of CRM tools, and how to approach multiple leads from the same company. Kelly explains that while inbound leads can be valuable, they are often best managed by inside sales or operational teams, reserving business development for outbound growth strategies. He emphasizes using a CRM like Pipedrive exclusively for tracking, instead of complicating workflows with additional tools like Excel, to maintain a streamlined process. Kelly also discusses effective follow-up techniques, advocating for a kind, once-per-week follow-up approach to avoid coming across as pushy, and emphasizes the importance of calendar management to stay productive in a global outreach role. In the spirit of Halloween, he shares his love for the spooky season with a personal ghost story, adding a fun twist to the episode. Wrapping up, Kelly introduces his Business Development Mastery Program, aimed at helping listeners build successful business development processes for the coming year.Unleash Your Business’s Full PotentialYour business is built for greatness, and I’m here to help you unlock that success. Through personalized, actionable strategies, we’ll work together to drive the growth you deserve. Let’s bring your vision to life and create a legacy of achievement that lasts. Ready to elevate your journey? Start today with Capital Business Development CoachingLinks referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.ca

30 Okt 202433min

In Episode 180 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with QuHarrison Terry, a trailblazing digital marketing expert, author, and co-host of CNBC’s No Retreat: Business Bootcamp. QuHarrison shares insights from his latest book, The Metaverse Handbook, providing a visionary look into how the metaverse will revolutionize business and reshape the digital landscape. As head of growth marketing at Mark Cuban Companies, QuHarrison discusses the massive shifts already taking place in technology, including NFTs, virtual economies, and how businesses must adapt to stay ahead. His deep expertise in future-thinking and digital transformation brings a fresh perspective on how Web 3.0, blockchain, and the metaverse will change not only how we interact online but how companies must evolve to remain competitive.Kelly and QuHarrison also dive into the practical side of navigating the metaverse and digital innovation, discussing how businesses can leverage these emerging technologies to connect with new audiences, create immersive experiences, and unlock new revenue streams. Whether you're familiar with the metaverse or just hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the future of digital business, providing listeners with valuable insights and actionable takeaways on the importance of preparing for the next big shift in technology.Key Takeaways:1. The metaverse is not a distant future but a present reality, already influencing business, technology, and everyday interactions.2. Businesses need to prepare for the metaverse by understanding how NFTs, virtual economies, and blockchain technology are reshaping digital commerce.3. The metaverse is more than just virtual reality; it can be accessed from various devices like smartphones, computers, and VR headsets.4. Digital assets like NFTs hold real value, allowing businesses to create scarcity and new revenue opportunities in digital spaces.5. As headsets and devices evolve, user experiences in the metaverse will become more immersive and engaging, transforming entertainment and work environments.6. Digital land and real estate will play a crucial role in the metaverse economy, creating new opportunities for digital real estate agents and entrepreneurs.7. The metaverse will change how businesses interact with consumers, creating deeper connections through immersive experiences and digital storytelling.8. Generative AI is key to rapidly populating and designing the metaverse, enabling more scalable and interactive virtual environments.9. The rise of digital worlds like Roblox and platforms like Meta’s Vision Pro demonstrate that younger generations are already fully immersed in metaverse-like experiences.10. Companies that don’t start exploring the metaverse now risk being left behind as technological advancements accelerate and digital interactions evolve.Unlock the Growth You Deserve Your business has incredible potential, and I’m here to help you tap into it. Together, we’ll explore strategies that are customized to your unique goals, empowering you to create lasting success. Let’s take the next step in your journey and transform your vision into reality. Ready when you are—start your transformation today at [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching).Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.caeverydays.wtflearnjapanese.com<a href="https://metaversehandbook.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

27 Okt 20241h 22min

In Episode 179 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy tackles the dangers of the "can't do" attitude and its impact on businesses and teams. He explores how this mindset—marked by negativity, self-doubt, and resistance to challenges—can hold back both individuals and entire organizations. Drawing from his own experiences and interviews with successful leaders, Kelly outlines how the "can't do" attitude can be deeply ingrained but offers actionable strategies to help team members shift toward a "can do" mindset. He emphasizes the importance of belief, collaboration, and fostering a culture that promotes growth and adaptability.Kelly also shares seven practical steps to help leaders transform negativity within their teams, such as recognizing negative self-talk, focusing on small wins, and promoting a growth mindset. The episode also delves into difficult but necessary leadership decisions, like knowing when to part ways with employees who consistently resist change or hinder progress. Ultimately, Kelly highlights that the success of a team and business depends on maintaining an optimistic, solution-oriented mindset while leading by example.Key Takeaways: 1. A "can't do" attitude is characterized by negativity, self-doubt, and resistance to challenges, and can hold back individuals and teams.2. Belief is everything; whether you think you can or can't, you're right, and that mindset shapes outcomes.3. Encourage team members to recognize and reframe negative self-talk, replacing it with constructive, positive affirmations.4. Small wins are important to build confidence and shift focus from failures to achievements.5. Cultivating a growth mindset helps individuals view failures as opportunities for learning and growth rather than setbacks.6. Providing constructive feedback that focuses on strengths and opportunities for improvement fosters development and optimism.7. Surrounding yourself with a supportive, solution-oriented team can uplift morale and foster a "can do" attitude within the group.8. Challenges should be reframed as opportunities for innovation and growth, rather than roadblocks.9. As a leader, modeling a positive and resilient attitude can inspire others to adopt similar behaviors.10. If an employee consistently exhibits a "can't do" attitude despite feedback and coaching, it may be time to part ways to protect team morale and company progress.Unlock the Growth You Deserve Your business has incredible potential, and I’m here to help you tap into it. Together, we’ll explore strategies that are customized to your unique goals, empowering you to create lasting success. Let’s take the next step in your journey and transform your vision into reality. Ready when you are—start your transformation today at [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching).References: Attorney Aaron Hall, Cubicle Therapy and Success.com

23 Okt 202433min

In Episode 178 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Fahad Khan, the dynamic CEO and founder of Canada Prime Marketing. Fahad shares his remarkable journey, beginning as a 14-year-old immigrant to Canada and evolving into a highly successful entrepreneur. He discusses how his early experiences shaped his mindset, driving him to build a marketing empire. With partnerships spanning Fortune 500 companies like TELUS and SodaStream, Fahad reveals how his relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with key lessons from influential mentors like Tony Robbins, have fueled his success.Throughout Episode 178, Fahad provides insights into the power of mindset, resilience, and the importance of seizing the right opportunities. He delves into his transformational experience as a Tony Robbins Platinum Partner and how this partnership helped him unlock new levels of growth, both personally and professionally. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, as Fahad reflects on the challenges and rewards of his journey, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to break through limitations and build something extraordinary.Key Takeaways: 1. Starting a business early, even in uncertain conditions, can set the stage for long-term growth and success.2. Building strong, strategic partnerships with major companies is crucial for business sustainability and scaling.3. Personal growth and continual self-investment are essential for unlocking new levels of success.4. Persistence through tough circumstances is a core trait of successful entrepreneurs.5. Surrounding yourself with mentors and like-minded individuals accelerates both personal and professional development.6. Leading with empathy and cultivating a supportive work culture builds loyalty and motivates high-performance teams.7. Empowering others, particularly through mentorship, creates a lasting impact and brings deeper fulfillment.8. Staying innovative and adopting new technologies, like AI, can give businesses a competitive edge.9. Adaptability and the ability to evolve with changing market dynamics are key to long-term success.10. Focusing on creating memorable experiences for employees fosters a positive, productive company culture.Links referenced in this episode:capitalbd.canait.catonyrobbins.comfiverr.comupwork.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Canada Prime Marketing Telus Sodastream Capital Business Development Lyft Pakistan Rogers Unlock the Growth You Deserve with Kelly KennedyYour business has incredible potential, and I’m here to help you tap into it. Together, we’ll explore strategies that are customized to your unique goals, empowering you to create lasting success. Let’s take the next step in your journey and transform your vision into reality. Ready when you are—start your transformation today with Kelly Kennedy: [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching).

20 Okt 20241h 17min

In Episode 177 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly takes a deep dive into the realities of burnout, a common but often overlooked challenge among high-performing individuals. He explores the different types of burnout—overload, under-challenge, and neglect—discussing how each impacts professionals mentally and physically. With insights from personal experience and research from Prevention.com, Kelly shares the warning signs of burnout, such as constant headaches, irritability, and neglect of personal needs. He highlights that burnout rarely stems from a single issue, instead often developing from the combination of relentless work stress and personal challenges.Kelly also provides actionable steps to prevent and recover from burnout, emphasizing the importance of self-care, boundary-setting, and regular mental check-ins. He discusses the value of taking time away, reconnecting with personal passions, and maintaining supportive relationships to help reset and recharge. As a work-from-home entrepreneur himself, Kelly shares how he manages burnout by stepping back, making time for family, and even taking weekend getaways to restore balance. This episode offers a compassionate and realistic approach for anyone looking to maintain long-term resilience in their career and life.Key Takeaways:1. Recognize burnout early by identifying symptoms like persistent headaches, irritability, and neglect of personal needs.2. Burnout often arises from a mix of relentless work stress and personal challenges, not just one source.3. Setting boundaries and learning to say no can prevent overload and help maintain balance.4. Taking short breaks or weekend getaways can help reset mental health and restore energy.5. Reconnect with personal passions and hobbies to re-ignite joy and motivation outside of work.6. Regular check-ins with yourself and close contacts can help gauge mental well-being.7. Establish daily routines, including adequate sleep, exercise, and consistent meals, to support mental and physical health.8. Supportive relationships are essential; venting to trusted friends, family, or professionals can relieve stress.9. High-performing individuals often walk a fine line with burnout, so proactive self-care is critical.10. If burnout escalates into depression, seek professional help—therapy and mental health support are valuable and effective. Links referenced in this episode:www.prevention.comwww.capitalbd.caCompanies mentioned in this episode: Capital Business Development prevention.com Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness Looking to level up your business growth strategy? The Business Development Mastery Program with Kelly Kennedy is here to help you build a powerful, sustainable business development process tailored to your company’s needs. Through focused coaching, Kelly guides you in setting clear goals, enhancing CRM systems, refining marketing materials, and developing effective social media strategies. This program delivers a roadmap that’s not just for today but equips you to drive impactful results into the future.💼 Ready to take the next step? Learn more about the Business Development Mastery Program here: https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/sales-page

16 Okt 202450min

In Episode 176 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy interviews Mack Male, Co-Founder and CEO of Taproot Publishing, about his journey from software development to pioneering local journalism in Edmonton. They explore how Mack’s tech background and dedication to community engagement have shaped Taproot’s mission to deliver high-quality, relevant local news that fills gaps left by traditional media. Mack shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of running an independent news outlet, detailing how Taproot’s consistent, community-driven reporting has earned it a loyal following and transformed how local stories are told.Throughout their discussion, Kelly and Mack dive into the role of technology in modern journalism, including AI’s potential to support content curation while maintaining a human touch. They also discuss Edmonton’s vibrant tech scene, the importance of adaptability in business, and Mack’s vision for the future of media. With reflections on transparency, community trust, and the power of consistent effort, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in media, technology, or the evolution of local journalism.Key Takeaways: 1. Consistency in delivering high-quality content or services builds trust and loyalty—essential for any growing business. 2. Meeting specific, underserved needs can differentiate your business and create a niche where you can excel. 3. Use technology to streamline and enhance operations, but ensure that the final product always meets your standards. 4. Independent ventures face unique challenges, especially in funding and competing with larger players—adaptability is crucial. 5. Early adoption of technology or innovation can give you a competitive edge and prepare you for future growth. 6. Transparency with your audience or clients fosters trust; don’t shy away from being open about your unique perspectives or biases. 7. Building a strong relationship with your community can drive brand loyalty and long-term success. 8. Blend technology with a human touch to maintain authenticity and create more meaningful customer connections. 9. Staying flexible and responsive to industry changes can help your business thrive in an evolving market. 10. Filling gaps in your market that larger competitors overlook can position your business as essential and valued by your target audience.

13 Okt 20241h 18min

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