The Business Development Podcast

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Scot Bryson, the visionary founder of Orbital Farms, to discuss his journey from humble beginnings to collaborating with NASA and pioneering sustainable solutions for both Earth and space. Scot shares how his deep-rooted curiosity and diverse experiences, including his time in digital advertising and environmental projects, have shaped his innovative approach to solving some of humanity's most pressing challenges. With Orbital Farms, Scot envisions creating self-sustaining, closed-loop systems capable of producing essential resources like food, medicine, and energy, even in extreme environments like space. He elaborates on how these advanced systems, initially designed for extraterrestrial applications, have immense potential to address climate change, food insecurity, and sustainable development challenges here on Earth.Throughout the conversation, Scot delves into his work with NASA and explains how the extreme constraints of space exploration fuel creativity and innovation, which can be applied to sustainable practices on our planet. He also highlights the "overview effect" experienced by astronauts, which fosters a new perspective on humanity’s interconnectedness and the importance of building sustainable, resilient systems. Scot emphasizes the need for visionary thinking, innovative business models, and strategic investments to accelerate the adoption of these sustainable solutions. With insights into the future of space and Earth's sustainability, this episode is a call to action for businesses, investors, and leaders to rethink how we can leverage technology and collaboration to build a better future for all.Key Takeaways: 1. Embrace extreme constraints to fuel creativity and innovation. 2. Sustainable solutions can be designed for both space and Earth. 3. Break big challenges into smaller, achievable components for progress. 4. Predictable and fixed costs drive better business and investment decisions. 5. The intersection of low-cost energy and resources defines future economic hubs. 6. Closed-loop systems are key to self-sustaining environments in extreme conditions. 7. Visionary thinking and innovative business models accelerate sustainable change. 8. Collaboration between sectors is crucial for developing impactful technologies. 9. The "overview effect" inspires a unified, global approach to sustainability. 10. Capitalizing on opportunities requires aligning business goals with sustainable practices.

8 Sep 20241h 25min

Episode 165 of The Business Development Podcast centers on the transformative power of positivity and resilience in the face of adversity. Host Kelly Kennedy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even after experiencing setbacks such as losing a proposal, facing economic downturns, or dealing with self-limiting beliefs. He shares personal stories from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how a positive mindset and the ability to bounce back stronger have been crucial to his long-term success. Kennedy discusses practical steps for shifting one’s mindset, reframing failures as learning opportunities, and embracing challenges as a path to growth.The episode also addresses the current economic climate and the fears many business owners face, particularly during recessions. Kennedy encourages listeners not to "hunker down" but to "double down" on their efforts in business development. He stresses that growth often comes through struggles and that keeping a resilient and positive mindset can lead to unexpected opportunities and breakthroughs. The episode is a motivational call to action, urging listeners to learn from their losses, stay proactive, and believe in their ability to overcome any obstacle.Key Takeaways:1. Maintaining a positive outlook is essential for overcoming setbacks and achieving long-term success. 2. Failures are lessons that help refine strategies and improve future outcomes. 3. During economic downturns, don’t pull back—double down on business development efforts to emerge stronger. 4. Your beliefs shape your reality; believing you can succeed is crucial to achieving success. 5. Relying on one major client is risky; always seek to expand your client portfolio to avoid the "client trap." 6. You may not control what happens, but you can control your response and find positive outcomes in every situation. 7. Stagnation leads to failure; consistently pick yourself up after a setback and keep pushing ahead. 8. Ensure your business offers clear, valuable solutions that either save money or help clients make money. 9. Be ready to adjust strategies and embrace change, as it is inevitable in both life and business. 10. True growth often comes from navigating challenges and adversity, not from easy successes.

4 Sep 202444min

Episode 164 of The Business Development Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Brandon Fuchs, known as "The Contractor Coach" and President & CEO of North Canadian Construction Group. With nearly two decades of experience in the construction industry, Brandon shares his journey from a struggling general contractor to a leader in transforming construction businesses. He dives into the challenges faced by contractors, such as managing multiple roles, balancing family life, and maintaining profitability in a demanding industry. Brandon also discusses his innovative approach of providing fractional support services and creating a supportive community for general contractors to overcome these struggles and thrive in their businesses.Throughout the episode, Brandon highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and having a strong support system in the construction space. He explains how his coaching program and his vision for a collaborative network of contractors can help others avoid the pitfalls he faced early in his career. By sharing his blueprint for success and the power of perseverance, Brandon inspires contractors and business owners alike to rethink their approach to managing their businesses, focus on their strengths, and leverage the power of community and collaboration to build a sustainable and successful future.Key Takeaways:1. Success requires a strong community and support network. 2. Use fractional services to focus on your core strengths. 3. Focus on solutions, not problems, for a growth mindset. 4. Anticipate and solve client problems to build trust. 5. Continuously learn and seek mentorship to grow. 6. Create sustainable systems to avoid burnout. 7. Coaching provides invaluable perspective and guidance. 8. Don’t let ego prevent you from seeking help. 9. Delegate tasks to improve efficiency and satisfaction. 10. Stay persistent and trust your vision for long-term success.

1 Sep 20241h 5min

In Episode 163 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy delves into the essential components that drive success both in business and in life: passion, determination, and self-accountability. He explores how these three elements are interconnected and vital for achieving long-term goals, whether in personal development or professional endeavors. Drawing from his own experiences, Kelly emphasizes the importance of finding your "why," a deep-rooted passion that can sustain you through challenging times. He discusses how passion isn't just a fleeting emotion but a mindset that can be cultivated and strengthened over time, enabling you to persevere and excel even when the going gets tough.Kelly also touches on the critical role of determination and accountability in turning aspirations into reality. He shares insights on how staying determined and holding oneself accountable are the keys to consistent progress, especially when the initial excitement wanes, and the hard work begins. Kelly's message is clear: success isn't accidental; it's the result of a deliberate and disciplined approach to pursuing what truly matters to you. This episode is a powerful reminder that by aligning your passion with determined action and personal accountability, you can achieve remarkable outcomes in both your business and personal life.Key Takeaways: 1. The power of passion fuels motivation and helps overcome challenges.2. Determination as a driver is essential for turning ideas into achievements.3. The importance of accountability ensures consistent progress and results.4. Finding your 'why' is critical to sustained success.5. Passion is a mindset that can be cultivated and developed over time.6. The interconnection of success factors shows that passion, determination, and accountability work together to create success.7. Momentum in business is built through consistent effort and determination over time.8. Accountability equals ownership by taking responsibility for your actions, which is key to achieving goals.9. The role of relationships is vital for effective business development.10. Sustained success is achieved by aligning passion, determination, and accountability in both business and life.

28 Aug 202436min

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Derek Armstrong, Director of Calgary Economic Development and former Manager of Innovation Ecosystems at Prairies Economic Development Canada. They dive deep into the role of PrairiesCan in driving economic growth and diversification across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Derek shares insights on how PrairiesCan is fueling innovation by investing in key sectors such as clean tech, ag tech, and life sciences, while also emphasizing the importance of collaboration and ecosystem building. The discussion highlights the various challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including access to capital, talent acquisition, and navigating the complex landscape of available resources. Throughout the conversation, Derek underscores the significance of regional economic development agencies like PrairiesCan in shaping the future of Alberta’s economy. He discusses the strategic initiatives and partnerships that are empowering local innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive, offering a glimpse into the impactful work being done to create a more resilient and diversified economic landscape in the Prairies. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone interested in economic development, this episode provides valuable insights into the opportunities and support systems available in Alberta and beyond.Key Takeaways:1. PrairiesCan focuses on diversifying the economy in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba through innovation.2. The agency provides crucial financial and non-financial support to help businesses scale and succeed.3. Collaboration within the innovation ecosystem is vital for entrepreneurial growth.4. Access to capital, talent, and infrastructure are the main challenges for entrepreneurs in the Prairies.5. PrairiesCan prioritizes high-growth sectors like clean tech, ag tech, and digital tech.6. The energy transition sector, particularly hydrogen, is a major economic opportunity for Alberta.7. The agency supports initiatives that can be scaled across multiple provinces, ensuring regional growth.8. PrairiesCan advocates for regional economic needs within the federal government.9. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to leverage available resources and not go it alone.10. Diverse perspectives are essential for addressing Alberta’s energy future and driving innovation.Transform Your Business with Kelly KennedySuccess isn't just about ideas—it's about the right processes and the encouragement to keep going. With Kelly Kennedy’s expert coaching, you’ll master effective strategies tailored to your business, empowering you to achieve sustainable growth. Experience the power of a structured approach combined with the support you need to excel. Start your transformation today at [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching).

25 Aug 20241h 1min

Episode 161 of The Business Development Podcast is a special Q&A session where host Kelly Kennedy engages with questions from the community. Kennedy reflects on the journey of the podcast, celebrating over 160 episodes and more than 210,000 downloads. He encourages listeners to continue submitting their questions, assuring anonymity if requested, and highlights the importance of sharing the show on platforms like Spotify and LinkedIn to further its growth.One of the standout questions in this episode comes from Aaron James Russell, a British Army communications engineer transitioning to the private sector. Kennedy provides thoughtful advice for those experiencing imposter syndrome and performance anxiety, reminding listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The episode concludes with Kennedy expressing gratitude to the audience for their ongoing support and urging them to stay connected through social media and future submissions.Key Takeaways: 1. Transitioning from a side business to full-time requires careful planning and consideration.2. Short, sweet, and personalized subject lines are effective in business development and sales outreach.3. Building a network and slowly building clients are two potential approaches to transitioning to a side business full-time.4. Active marketing and reaching out to stakeholders is crucial for business development.5. Persistence is key in reaching out to potential clients, with an average of 8 to 11 direct reach outs needed.6. Keeping subject lines short, relevant, and engaging is important for email engagement.7. Trial and error is essential in finding effective subject lines for email outreach.8. Personal connections and engagement with potential clients are more effective than formal approaches.9. The importance of community questions and sharing common concerns in business development and entrepreneurship.10. Gratitude and appreciation for listeners and supporters is crucial in building a successful businessUnlock your potential with Kelly Kennedy’s expert coaching! Get the motivation and personalized strategies you need to build a powerful, results-driven business development process. Take control of your future today—book your FREE introductory session with Kelly Kennedy's Business Development Coaching and start growing your business: [Capital Business Development Coaching](https://kelly-kennedy-f640.mykajabi.com/capital-business-development-coaching).

21 Aug 202435min

In episode 160 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy engages in an insightful discussion with former CTV News Anchor Carmen Leibel, who shares her expertise on effective public speaking and her journey into entrepreneurship. Carmen reflects on her transition from journalism to founding Project Five, a program designed to enhance public speaking skills among students, entrepreneurs, and executives. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, including crafting key talking points and being adaptable during presentations, which helps speakers connect authentically with their audience. Carmen also highlights the significance of pacing and the need for an attention reset every ten minutes to maintain audience engagement.Throughout the episode, Carmen provides practical tips for overcoming the fear of public speaking, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique experiences as valuable contributions to their communication style. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, including the fear of failure and the learning curve that comes with starting a new venture. By sharing her personal journey and actionable advice, Carmen inspires individuals to communicate with confidence and effectively convey their messages, ultimately fostering stronger connections in both personal and professional settings. Key Takeaways:1. Preparation is crucial; a strong opening and closing can make or break your presentation.2. Practice regularly to build confidence and refine your delivery.3. Pacing your speech helps maintain audience engagement and clarity.4. Use body language effectively to reinforce your message and connect with your audience.5. Embrace your unique experiences; they add authenticity to your speaking style.6. Adaptability is key; be ready to adjust your message based on audience reactions.7. Overcoming the fear of public speaking is a learned skill that takes time and effort.8. Incorporate humor and personal anecdotes to make your presentation relatable.9. Seek feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance your skills.10. Remember that effective communication is essential for building strong personal and professional relationships.

18 Aug 20241h 17min

In Episode 159 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy shares ten valuable lessons from his podcasting journey, emphasizing the need for a clear vision and consistent authenticity. He reflects on the various challenges he encountered, such as securing guests and managing production, and provides practical advice to help aspiring podcasters navigate these common obstacles. Kennedy also explores how his podcast has facilitated personal and professional growth, leading to new opportunities and valuable connections within the business community.Kennedy highlights the significance of commitment and consistency in podcasting, noting that success requires a regular release schedule and a strong sense of purpose. He encourages podcasters to define their "why" to overcome moments of doubt and isolation. Additionally, Kennedy discusses practical aspects such as leveraging technology for website management and mastering audio production. His insights aim to equip new podcasters with the knowledge and motivation needed to succeed, emphasizing the growing potential of the podcasting market and the importance of connecting with and delivering value to an audience.Key Takeaways: 1. Commitment is essential for achieving long-term success in podcasting. 2. Consistency is key; maintain a regular release schedule to build and retain your audience. 3. Define a clear purpose for your podcast that goes beyond simply making money. 4. You can acquire all necessary podcasting skills, often at no cost. 5. Expect moments of loneliness, as many listeners may not actively engage with you. 6. Utilize technology tools like Podpage for efficient website management. 7. Recognize and value the unique expertise you bring to your podcast. 8. The podcasting market is expanding rapidly, with millions of potential listeners. 9. Be prepared for self-doubt and remain focused on your podcasting goals. 10. Engage with your audience and value the silent listeners who appreciate your content.

14 Aug 202457min