The Business Development Podcast

Episode 78 of The Business Development Podcast with Kelly Kennedy features serial entrepreneur Dawn Mucci, who shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Dawn recounts how she dropped out of school at a young age and faced various challenges, but always had a strong drive to create value, make money, and solve problems. She started her career as a truck driver and later became involved in franchising, specifically addressing a problem she personally faced with head lice and creating a franchise system around it. Dawn's passion for business and community engagement is evident, and she emphasizes the importance of taking one step at a time and staying focused on the end goal.In this episode, Dawn Mucci talks about her path to entrepreneurship and the challenges she overcame. Despite not having a formal education or a privileged background, she always had a desire to create value and make money. From working as a truck driver to starting a cat adoption agency, Dawn's journey eventually led her to franchising and solving the problem of head lice. She shares the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and taking things one step at a time, all while staying focused on the ultimate vision and goal. Through her story, Dawn highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of solving problems and creating value.Key Takeaways: It's important to find something that matches who you are as a person and brings you fulfillment.Pursuing entrepreneurship may require overcoming challenges and stigma, but it can lead to valuable and rewarding work.Having a support system and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision is crucial for success.Education and resources are not the sole determinants of success. Entrepreneurs can tap into their own gifts and talents to create value and solve problems.Franchising can be a viable option for those interested in entrepreneurship, providing opportunities for growth and success.Taking one step at a time and dealing with challenges along the way while keeping your end goal in mind is key to making progress.The entrepreneurial spirit often starts at a young age, with a drive to create value and find ways to make money.

5 Nov 20231h 2min

In episode 77 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and feedback in business. He shares his personal experiences and acknowledges that he has not always been good at receiving critical feedback, but he is committed to learning and improving. Kennedy highlights that being self-aware and understanding the market and customers' needs are crucial for success in business development and entrepreneurship. He encourages listeners to reach out to him with feedback and suggestions on how to improve the show. He also expresses gratitude to the guests who have contributed to the success of the podcast.In the episode, Kennedy discusses how business needs and dynamics can change over time. He shares examples of situations where his past clients had different requirements and budgets from year to year, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue with customers to understand their evolving needs. Kennedy also mentions the importance of feedback in podcasting and invites listeners to provide their input to help improve the show. He expresses gratitude for the support and encourages listeners to share the podcast with others to continue growing organically. Overall, the episode highlights the value of feedback in business development and emphasizes the willingness to learn and adapt to meet customers' needs.Key Takeaways It is important for businesses to have self-awareness and understand what is happening in the market and why customers may choose competitors over them.Openness to feedback is crucial for success in business development and entrepreneurship.Feedback, both positive and critical, is valuable and should be sought from customers to improve products and services.Having open conversations with customers and understanding their needs is essential for building successful relationships and winning bids.Continuous learning and improvement are necessary for growth and development as a business and as an individual.Relationships and negotiations should be two-way streets, with dialogue and openness being key components.Business development and strategies need to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.Regular communication with customers is important to stay updated on their changing requirements and to maintain strong relationships.

1 Nov 202345min

In Halloween Special Episode 76 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy is joined by horror author Brennan Storr for a spooky conversation. Storr, known for his book "A Strange Little Place: The Hauntings & Unexplained Events of One Small Town," shares his journey as a writer and storyteller. The episode explores Storr's experiences with paranormal encounters and his passion for scary stories. Kennedy and Storr discuss the power and allure of horror podcasts and the importance of research and authenticity in storytelling. Overall, the episode offers listeners a chilling and captivating conversation about the world of horror and storytelling.In this Halloween special episode of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy brings an unexpected twist by inviting horror author Brennan Storr as a guest. Storr, known for his book "A Strange Little Place: The Hauntings & Unexplained Events of One Small Town," shares his experiences in the paranormal realm and his love for scary stories. The episode delves into Storr's journey as a writer and his exploration of family history, as well as his insights into the horror genre. With engaging discussions about horror podcasts and the importance of authenticity in storytelling, this episode offers listeners a thrilling and informative Halloween experience.Key Takeaways:Writing can become a fulfilling career opportunity if pursued with passion and determination.Embracing one's strengths and neurodivergent traits can lead to creative success.Reconnecting with a childhood passion can spark a new creative journey.Building a strong online presence through platforms like Instagram can attract a significant following.Overcoming self-doubt and proving personal capabilities can be a source of pride and motivation.Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who provide guidance and offer alternative career options can be beneficial.Exploring different mediums, such as blogging and podcasting, can open doors to new opportunities.Believing in one's creative abilities and taking risks can lead to unexpected achievements.Personal experiences and unique storytelling can contribute to content creation, capturing the interest of audiences.Researching and fact-checking are crucial for maintaining credibility in creative endeavors.

29 Okt 20231h 27min

In Milestone Episode 75 of The Business Development Podcast, the host, Kelly Kennedy, expresses gratitude to listeners for their support and shares his commitment to providing advice and impactful content. He encourages listeners to start their own podcast as a way to share their expertise and make a positive impact in the world. Kelly also thanks the show's sponsors and acknowledges the challenges of running a podcast and a business. He discusses the growth and success of the podcast over the past eight months, as well as the positive feedback from fans who have found value in the show's content.The episode also features a community questions segment, where Kelly addresses questions from listeners. He emphasizes the importance of dedicating time and effort to business development and account management. Kelly discusses the benefits of separating these two roles and provides advice for individuals working in industries where project managers are also expected to handle business development. The episode highlights the global reach and recognition of The Business Development Podcast, including being featured in Apple Podcasts' top 100 Canadian entrepreneur category and achieving top rankings in various countries. Overall, Milestone Episode 75 celebrates the podcast's achievements and showcases its commitment to providing valuable insights and support to its audience.Key Takeaways: Dedicate a certain amount of time to business development or account management efforts.Start your own podcast to share your expertise and impact the world in a beneficial way.Write down a show plan and gather the necessary equipment to start recording your podcast.Put out a show of your own by recording yourself talking about your expertise for 15-20 minutes.Don't expect immediate success, but stick with it and continue to improve and grow.Separate account management and business development to maximize effectiveness in both areas.Embrace opportunities to collaborate and feature guests to provide a diverse range of insights and advice.Seek inspiration and guidance from other successful individuals in your field or industry.Recognize the potential impact and influence your podcast can have on individuals and businesses worldwide.

25 Okt 202343min

Episode 74 of The Business Development Podcast is a conversation with Steve Monk, the founder and CEO of CEO Law. Steve shares his diverse career journey, which includes experiences in telecom, corporate development, and the legal industry. He discusses the importance of considering legal aspects in business development and the value of education in opening up opportunities. The episode also highlights Steve's role in various companies and his commitment to innovation and creating positive outcomes. Overall, the episode offers actionable advice on business growth and showcases Steve's expertise and achievements in the field.In Episode 74 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy interviews Steve Monk, the founder and CEO of CEO Law. Steve delves into his career trajectory, touching on his experiences in telecom, corporate development, and the legal industry. He stresses the significance of incorporating legal considerations in business development decisions and emphasizes the need for individuals to pursue additional education for career advancement. Throughout the episode, Steve shares insights from his diverse background and offers valuable advice on growing businesses. Additionally, the interview showcases Steve's commitment to driving change and fostering innovation in the legal space.Key Takeaways: Prioritize customer, employee, and owner satisfaction in that order.Understand the importance of the legal side of business and seek expertise in this area.Actively seek partnerships and collaborations that make sense for the business.Embrace and adapt to technological advancements in the industry.Build a diverse background and leverage different experiences to lead and innovate in various industries.Implement a visionary approach to business and embrace transformative potential of innovation.Consider the right timing to engage legal firms or experts in the business process.Champion excellence and create positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

22 Okt 202359min

Episode 73 of the Business Development Podcast with Kelly Kennedy focuses on the importance of finding and contacting the correct people in business development. Kennedy emphasizes that this process can be done for free and shares tips and strategies to effectively locate contact information. He highlights the value of personal introductions and digital communication, such as LinkedIn, in establishing connections with potential clients or partners. Kennedy also expresses gratitude for the support of listeners and encourages them to explore previous episodes for valuable insights.In this episode, Kennedy recounts his experience at a trade show and expresses his excitement for the growth of the Business Development Podcast. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the right targets and discusses various methods, including online research and phone calls, to find the contact information of key individuals. Kennedy advises listeners to be persistent in their efforts and shares his approach of sending a digital introduction after making initial contact. He concludes the episode by thanking the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce for their support and providing updates on the podcast's availability on YouTube.Key Takeaways: Personal emails may not be the most effective way to reach out to people, as many individuals prefer not to be contacted on their personal accounts.Business development and finding people's information can be challenging but not impossible.Properly identifying the target audience and using LinkedIn to initiate contact is a valuable approach.There are various ways to find contact information for free, and paying for it is not necessary.Digital introductions and following up with potential contacts can yield positive responses.Persistence and effort are required to find the right person and obtain their contact information.The right person within an organization can provide contact details or guidance on where to find the desired information.Keeping track of leads and following up regularly can progress the relationship with potential contacts.

18 Okt 202329min

In this special episode of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy interviews Chris Maksylewicz, the Executive Director of the Erika Legacy Foundation. The foundation aims to bring awareness and support to the issues of suicide and mental health. Chris shares his personal journey, which includes a varied career in journalism, marketing, and teaching, before dedicating himself to the foundation after the tragic loss of his wife, Erika, in 2015. Chris discusses the important work being done by the foundation and their mission to prevent suicides and promote mental health. This episode offers valuable insights into the foundation's initiatives and the impact they are making in the community. Overall, this special episode sheds light on the Erika Legacy Foundation and its commitment to changing how society thinks, talks, and acts regarding suicide and mental health. Host Kelly Kennedy guides the conversation with empathy and understanding, allowing Chris to share his personal experiences and the foundation's important work. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the foundation's mission, as well as the challenges and successes they have faced along the way. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those who are struggling.Key Takeaways: Mental health is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and prioritized in our communities.There are organizations, such as the Erika Legacy Foundation, that are dedicated to promoting awareness and providing support for mental health and suicide prevention.It is important to have open and honest conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and promote understanding.Suicide is a preventable tragedy, and it is crucial to provide resources and support for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.Education and awareness around mental health should be integrated into school curricula to ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain their mental well-being.There is help available for those struggling with mental health issues, and it is important to reach out for support when needed.Mental health should be approached from a holistic perspective, considering both psychological and physiological factors.Mental health is not something to be ashamed of or ignored. It is a natural part of being human, and seeking help is a sign of strength.Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for promoting positive mental health.Implementing policies and programs that prioritize mental health in workplaces, schools, and communities can help improve overall well-being and prevent mental health crises.

15 Okt 20231h 11min

In episode 71 of the Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy discusses the challenges and considerations of expanding into new industries, cities, or locations. Kennedy emphasizes the need for financial stability and market understanding before venturing into new spaces. He suggests conducting target research and initial phone calls to gauge potential customer reception and demand. Kennedy also highlights the importance of logistical considerations, such as availability and supply chains, when expanding. He advises business owners to assess their ability to handle increased workload and potential hires, as well as the emotional and mental toll of managing an expansion. Throughout the episode, Kennedy encourages listeners to support the show by subscribing, rating, and reviewing, while also inviting them to submit community questions for future episodes.In episode 71 of the Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy explores the topic of expanding businesses into new industries, cities, and locations. He stresses the significance of ensuring financial capability and understanding the market demand before embarking on such expansions. Kennedy suggests conducting target research and contacting potential customers to assess their reception and potential market share. He also advises considering logistics, such as supply chains and availability, as well as the emotional and mental toll of managing an expansion. Additionally, he encourages listeners to support the show by subscribing, rating, and reviewing, and invites them to submit community questions for future episodes.Key Takeaways: Before expanding into a new location, consider if you have the financial resources to support another office, marketing efforts, and other challenges that may arise.It's important to understand the local market and demand before making the decision to expand.Conduct thorough market research to determine if there is enough demand for your products or services in a new location or industry.Consider whether a local office, satellite office, or remote work is the best option for your expansion.Expansion requires careful planning and consideration of the logistics involved, such as supply chains and delivery capabilities.It's crucial to assess if you have the capacity to handle the increased workload and potentially hire additional staff.Expanding into a new location or industry may require reinventing your company and being open to new opportunities.

11 Okt 202331min