The Business Development Podcast

In Episode 89 of The Business Development Podcast with host Kelly Kennedy, the topic of conversation is client gifting during the holiday season. Kelly emphasizes the importance of giving back to clients who have supported businesses throughout the year and highlights the value of showing gratitude and appreciation. He shares his personal experience of giving client gifts for over a decade, stressing the significance of making clients feel valued and cared for. Kelly encourages businesses to prioritize client gifting during the holiday season and discusses the various ways in which organizations can show their appreciation, including personalized gifts or small gestures like a handwritten card. Throughout the episode, Kelly emphasizes the need for thoughtful and meaningful client gifts, showcasing that giving back to clients is not about bribery but rather about fostering strong and positive relationships.

In this episode, Kelly Kennedy, the host of The Business Development Podcast, discusses the importance of client gifting during the holiday season. He shares his experience of giving client gifts for over 12 years and highlights the excitement and joy associated with this practice. Kelly challenges listeners who are not currently engaging in client gifting to rethink their approach and consider the value it can bring to their business relationships. He emphasizes that giving back to clients is a way of showing appreciation and valuing their contribution to the success of the organization. Kelly encourages businesses to prioritize client gifting during the holiday season and provides examples of thoughtful and cost-effective ways to express gratitude. Ultimately, he aims to demonstrate

Key Takeaways:

1. Giving client gifts at Christmas is a common practice in business development.
2. It is important to give back to clients during the holiday season to show appreciation and value.
3. Some businesses may question the necessity of giving client gifts at Christmas, but it is a valuable practice.
4. Client gifts should be thoughtful and show that they are valued.
5. Giving client gifts is not bribery, but rather a way to express gratitude.
6. Client gifts do not have to be expensive; even a small gift or card can be meaningful.
7. It is important to prioritize and value relationships with clients.
8. Giving client gifts at Christmas can lead to better relationships and repeat business.
9. It is important to consider the preferences and needs of individual clients when choosing gifts.
10. Giving client gifts at Christmas is a way to show kindness and care for clients.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

Episode 88 of The Business Development Podcast features an expert guest interview with Peter Hurd-Watler, the co-founder of Impact Applications. The episode discusses grant funding and how Impact Applications helps innovative founders secure grants and non-dilutive funding for their businesses. Peter shares his own experiences as an entrepreneur, including selling Coke in junior high and later starting a web design company. He also talks about the challenges of funding a business and the importance of grants in supporting research and development. Throughout the episode, Peter and host Kelly Kennedy touch on various topics, such as blockchain, online voting, and the global landscape of entrepreneurship.

In summary, Episode 88 of The Business Development Podcast delves into the world of grant funding and its role in supporting and growing businesses. Peter Hurd-Watler, the guest expert, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and how his experiences led him to co-found Impact Applications. The discussion touches on the challenges entrepreneurs face in raising capital, particularly for businesses that involve research and development. The episode also explores other relevant topics like blockchain, online voting, and the impact of grants on business success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Grant funding is a valuable source of non-dilutive funding for businesses.
2. Conduct thorough market research before launching a business to ensure eligibility for grants.
3. Impact Applications is a company that helps founders secure grants and non-dilutive funding.
4. Tailored grant research reports and grant plans are created for clients by Impact Applications.
5. The process of securing grants involves follow-up reporting and fulfilling requirements.
6. Grant funding can provide the necessary funds to pay employees and developers.
7. Grants can be obtained through corporate grants and other non-dilutive funding sources.
8. It is important to navigate the legalities and regulations surrounding grant funding, such as in voting structures.
9. Building relationships and networking is crucial for accessing grant funding opportunities.
10. Grant funding can contribute to the success and growth of a business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

Episode 87 of The Business Development Podcast is the fourth part of the Proposal Playbook series. Host Kelly Kennedy expresses appreciation to the listeners and discusses the positive experiences and learnings from having Adam O'Brien as a guest. Kennedy also informs the audience about the delay in the community questions segment for November but reassures them that it will be included in a joint episode in December. Additionally, Kennedy announces the birth of his son and mentions that the show has reached a milestone of over 100,000 downloads in under 10 months. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and urges new businesses to focus on value and engaging content rather than the number of followers.

In this episode, Kennedy encourages listeners who have business development questions to send them in for the community questions segment. He highlights the importance of knowing one's value proposition and provides contact details for submitting questions. Kennedy also expresses gratitude to sponsors and emphasizes the podcast's commitment to providing valuable information to help businesses grow. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of weekly reports and promising to continue delivering relevant topics and insights to give listeners an edge in their professional careers.

Key Takeaways:

1. It is important to have a clear understanding of your value proposition before writing a proposal.
2. Consistency is key in business development, both in terms of your messaging and in your efforts to reach out to potential clients.
3. Taking the time to learn about your customers' needs and how you can meet them is crucial for successful business development.
4. Weekly reports are essential in business development as they help to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
5. Building relationships with customers and consistently delivering value will result in long-term business success.
6. It is important to follow up with potential clients after submitting a proposal to ensure effective communication and address any questions or concerns.
7. Business development involves continuous learning and adapting to stay ahead in the industry.
8. Successful business development involves providing relevant and valuable information to help clients excel in their professional careers.
9. It is important to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of your business in order to create effective proposals and drive growth.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

Episode 86 of The Business Development Podcast features Adam O'Brien, the founder and CEO of Bitcoin Well. O'Brien shares his journey of discovering Bitcoin and his unwavering belief in its potential to revolutionize finance globally. He discusses how his young age and lack of skepticism allowed him to dive headfirst into the world of Bitcoin. O'Brien also talks about the challenges of marketing his own business and the importance of seeking mentorship and learning from experienced individuals. The episode delves into O'Brien's early career experiences, his passion for adding value to others, and his dedication to empowering individuals with financial independence through cryptocurrency.

In Episode 86 of The Business Development Podcast, Adam O'Brien, the visionary founder and CEO of Bitcoin Well, shares his compelling story of realizing the transformative potential of Bitcoin and his unyielding belief in its future. O'Brien recounts how his youthfulness and lack of cynicism enabled him to fully embrace Bitcoin as the future of finance, even when others doubted its potential. The episode explores O'Brien's entrepreneurial journey, including his experiences in marketing his own business and the importance of seeking guidance from experienced mentors. Throughout the discussion, O'Brien emphasizes the value of adding value to others, learning from tough feedback, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adam O'Brien, has been a strong advocate for Bitcoin for a decade.
2. Adam O'Brien founded Bitcoin Well, Canada's leading Bitcoin company, in 2013, and it has since become the world's first non-custodial Bitcoin business to go public.
3. Learning from failures and receiving tough feedback is important for growth and improvement.
4. Confidence and a lack of jadedness can play a role in taking risks and entering the Bitcoin market.
5. Marketing one's own business can be challenging, and it is often recommended to have someone else handle it.
6. Mentoring and learning from experienced individuals in the field can be valuable in building a successful business.
7. The journey of starting a business is often filled with moments of feeling like an idiot and realizing mistakes made in the past.
8. Hardships and tough times are opportunities for growth and valuable lessons are learned during those times.
9. Being open to tough feedback and criticism is important for personal and professional growth.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

Episode 85 of The Business Development Podcast hosted by Kelly Kennedy focuses on the third part of the Proposal Playbook series. Kennedy acknowledges the importance of delivering key information and showing a return on investment (ROI) in business proposals. He emphasizes the need for creating a clear and concise proposal that reiterates the value discussed with the customer, rather than providing unnecessary information. Kennedy also emphasizes the significance of understanding the customer's goals and becoming a strategic partner to ensure the value proposition aligns with their objectives. Overall, the episode offers insights and advice on creating successful value propositions and generating interest to develop effective business proposals.

In addition to discussing the importance of proposals, Kennedy expresses gratitude for the show's sponsors and supporters. He also references the show's growth and anniversary, highlighting the continuous support and engagement from the audience. Throughout the episode, Kennedy emphasizes the value of partnerships, the need for delivering on customer expectations, and the importance of creating a proposal that demonstrates value and aligns with the customer's goals. The episode provides actionable advice for business development professionals, entrepreneurs, and founders who are involved in submitting business development proposals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Proposals should include key deliverables to demonstrate a return on investment (ROI).
2. Business proposals are not typically part of business development.
3. Proposals should clearly outline the price and services offered, rather than leaving the customer to discover this information.
4. Creating a value proposition is critical for business development and acquiring new clients.
5. Proposals should align with the customer's goals and address their specific needs.
6. Proposals should be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary information.
7. Providing a clear value proposition in the proposal is essential for demonstrating the worth of the business relationship.
8. Understanding the customer's value proposition is necessary to ensure the business can meet their expectations.
9. The proposal should reiterate the value proposition discussed in previous interactions.
10. Gathering relevant information about the customer's goals and needs is crucial before creating the actual proposal.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

Episode 84 of The Business Development Podcast features an interview with Dr. Jack Schafer, a former FBI agent, author, and professor. The episode focuses on Dr. Schafer's expertise in understanding human behavior and his book, "The Like Switch." Throughout the interview, Dr. Schafer explains how to build rapport with people and influence them through subtle friendship signals. He discusses the importance of proximity and duration in developing relationships and emphasizes the power of nonverbal communication. Dr. Schafer's extensive experience in law enforcement and his knowledge of psychology and behavioral analysis make him a valuable resource for business development professionals seeking to improve their interpersonal skills.

In this episode, Kelly Kennedy, the host of The Business Development Podcast, speaks with Dr. Jack Schafer, an FBI agent turned author and professor. Dr. Schafer shares insights from his book, "The Like Switch," which delves into the psychology behind building relationships and influencing others. He explains how subtle friendship signals and nonverbal communication can create rapport and help individuals garner trust and likability. Dr. Schafer highlights the importance of proximity and duration in developing strong relationships and discusses how his background in law enforcement and studying human behavior has shaped his understanding of business development. The interview offers valuable advice and actionable strategies for professionals looking to improve their interpersonal skills and succeed in their career.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building rapport with people is essential in business and social interactions.
2. People are more likely to buy from or help those they like and trust.
3. Developing a positive relationship takes time and effort.
4. Friend signals, such as head tilting and smiling, can unconsciously influence others.
5. Proximity and spending time with someone can increase influence.
6. Understanding human behavior and anticipating actions can be valuable in various professions.
7. Psychological principles can be applied to practical situations to achieve desired outcomes.
8. Reading and analyzing psychological research can provide valuable insights.
9. Nonverbal signals and intensity can be used to measure engagement and interest.
10. Implementing the principles in "The Like Switch" can greatly benefit business professionals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

In Episode 83 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy discusses Part 2 of the Proposal Playbook. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of the client and creating a winning solution that addresses those needs. Kennedy highlights the need for clear communication with the client to ensure that the proposed solution aligns with their goals. He also mentions the significance of defining success and scope with the client, as well as the value of multiple conversations to ensure clarity on the client's objectives. The episode emphasizes the importance of knowing the client's needs before creating an effective proposal.

Overall, Episode 83 of The Business Development Podcast focuses on the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of the client in the proposal process. It emphasizes the need for clear communication, multiple conversations, and defining success and scope. Kennedy emphasizes the value of creating a winning solution that aligns with the client's goals and addresses their specific challenges. The episode provides insights and advice based on Kennedy's own experiences and offers practical tips for effective proposal creation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the client's goals is crucial in putting together an effective proposal.
2. It's important to clearly communicate and solve the client's needs.
3. Niche products or services may require additional explanation to the customer.
4. Defining success and scope with the customer is essential before creating a proposal.
5. Multiple conversations may be required to fully understand the customer's needs and wants.
6. Proposals should aim to create a win-win solution for both the business and the customer.
7. Knowing the statistics and results of the service being offered strengthens the proposal.
8. It's necessary to consider the budgetary constraints of the customer when creating a proposal.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

In Episode 82 of The Business Development Podcast, the expert guest is Ashley McKarney, the president of Involvi Consulting based in Edmonton, Canada. Ashley shares her journey from being in sales to finding her passion in HR and starting her own consulting company. She emphasizes the importance of aligning values and creating a positive company culture in attracting and retaining employees. Ashley also discusses the challenges and responsibilities of HR professionals in developing leaders and improving working conditions to drive organizational growth. Overall, the episode explores the role of HR in business development and how it influences the success and reputation of a company.

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Ashley McKarney, the president of Involvi HR, is our expert guest. She discusses her transition from sales to HR and the establishment of her consulting company. Ashley emphasizes the significance of values and culture in attracting and retaining employees. She also shares the challenges faced by HR professionals in developing leaders and enhancing working conditions to drive organizational growth. The episode highlights the role of HR in business development and the importance of creating a positive brand image.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritize finding a job that aligns with your passions and interests, rather than just focusing on making money.
2. Reflect on whether your current job is utilizing your skills and allowing you to make a meaningful impact.
3. Consider pursuing education or training in a field that you are passionate about, rather than simply following the suggestions of others.
4. Recognize that a job in sales and HR requires building strong relationships and connections with others.
5. Understand the importance of establishing and maintaining a positive company culture to drive organizational growth.
6. Emphasize the value proposition of your company to potential employees, showcasing the benefits and opportunities it offers.
7. Acknowledge the role of HR professionals in not only recruiting employees but also developing them into effective leaders.
8. Adapt to the changing dynamics of remote work and take advantage of the global market.
9. Prioritize the overall happiness and satisfaction of employees, as this can have a significant impact on their long-term commitment to the organization.
10. Continuously seek new opportunities and challenges in different industries to expand your skills and experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

Episode 81 of The Business Development Podcast hosted by Kelly Kennedy is part of a four-part series on successful proposals. In this episode, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of understanding the true value that a company provides before creating an effective value proposition or proposal. Kennedy shares his own experience of initially being unsure about the value he brings to the world through his business development services. He encourages businesses to be open to learning and to gain a clear understanding of their products or services and how they benefit their customers before creating proposals. Kennedy also emphasizes the importance of receiving feedback and continually refining proposals to ensure they align with customer needs and deliver the best value.

In the episode, Kennedy highlights the need for businesses to identify one, two, or three specific things that they do incredibly well. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding different layers of value and how customers may use products or services in ways that were not initially intended. Kennedy encourages businesses to consistently seek feedback and to have a clear understanding of what they do and how their products or services benefit customers.

Key Takeaways:

1. It is important to clearly understand the value that your company provides to the world before creating a value proposition or proposal for customers.
2. Take the time to define the steps of your business development process in order to identify what deliverables your company provides that are unique or better than competitors.
3. Be open to continuous learning and feedback to improve your proposals and value proposition.
4. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of your customer's needs and how your product or service benefits them before creating a proposal.
5. Regularly seek feedback from customers and colleagues to improve your proposals and value proposition.
6. Identify one, two or three specific things that your company does incredibly well and focus on these strengths in your proposals.
7. Understand that your customers may use your product or service in different ways than initially intended, and adapt your proposals accordingly.
8. Clearly define your business and the main products or services you offer to effectively communicate your value proposition.
9. Recognize that every value proposition you create will be unique and tailored to the specific needs of each customer.
10. Continuously gather feedback and strive to understand how your products and services are perceived by customers.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums

In the milestone episode 80 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Mitch Jacobsen, the CEO of Rviita, a Canadian energy tea company. Jacobsen shares his personal journey from working in the oil and gas industry to starting his own beverage company. He discusses his experiences as an energy drink addict and how he identified a need for a healthier alternative. Throughout the conversation, Jacobsen emphasizes the importance of taking risks and pursuing entrepreneurial ideas. Kennedy praises Jacobsen's accomplishments and commends him for his dedication and success in building a groundbreaking product. Listeners are provided with valuable insights and advice on business development, as well as a firsthand account of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

In a dynamic and engaging episode, Jacobsen and Kennedy delve into the entrepreneurial mindset and the path to success. They discuss the difficulties of entering the oil and gas industry during a downturn, and how Jacobsen's passion for sustainability led him to develop a healthier energy drink option. Jacobsen details his journey of starting a beverage company, from conducting research on Google to creating a product that is now distributed in over a thousand stores across Canada. Kennedy praises Jacobsen's resilience and determination, highlighting his remarkable achievements in a short period of time. The episode serves as an inspiring and informative resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and business development professionals looking to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a successful business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recognize the importance of following your passion and pursuing your own ideas and entrepreneurial ventures.
2. Don't wait for the perfect time to start a business or pursue your goals. Take action and commit yourself to your ideas.
3. Identify problems or challenges that you personally relate to and consider how you can solve them through your business or career.
4. Be open to opportunities and possibilities that may arise unexpectedly, even if they are different from your initial plans or expectations.
5. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone.
6. Focus on providing a healthier or more sustainable alternative to existing products or solutions in the market.
7. Embrace the grind and the challenges that come with starting and growing a business. Success often requires hard work and perseverance.
8. Surround yourself with supportive and inspiring individuals who can help guide and motivate you on your entrepreneurial journey.
9. Prioritize your health and well-being, and be mindful of the negative effects of habits or addictions that may hinder your productivity and success.
10. Continuously seek knowledge and learning opportunities, as they can be instrumental in developing your skills and expanding your business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums